Murray County Disaster Risk
Murray County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#69
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
26th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Murray County, Minnesota
Murray County among safest nationwide
With a composite risk score of just 19.82, Murray County ranks in the "Very Low" category and significantly outperforms the national average. This southwestern Minnesota county enjoys substantially lower exposure to most natural hazards compared to typical U.S. counties.
Minnesota's lowest-risk county tier
Murray County's risk score of 19.82 places it far below Minnesota's statewide average of 42.38—among the safest counties in the state. Its risk profile reflects minimal exposure across most major hazard categories.
Safest in a low-risk region
Murray County is the safest county in its region, with notably lower composite risk than neighbors Nobles, Lyon, and Cottonwood counties. Its stable climate and low tornado, flood, and wildfire exposure make it a relative safe haven.
Tornado the only moderate concern
Even Murray's highest-risk hazard—tornado at 39.41—remains below state average, while flood (25.80) and wildfire (20.64) are both minimal. Overall, the county faces unusually low natural disaster exposure statewide.
Standard coverage sufficient here
Murray County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without urgent need for specialized flood or wildfire policies. However, maintaining a basic emergency kit and staying weather-aware during severe storm season remains prudent.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Murray County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Murray County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Murray County ranks at the 20th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Murray County residents can take confidence from a 20th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Murray County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 26th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (21th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 39th percentile nationally makes Murray County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Flood is the second hazard driver for Murray County at the 26th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. In Murray County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
At 22.6 points below the Minnesota state average, Murray County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Murray County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Murray County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Murray County?
How does Murray County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Murray County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.