Nobles County Disaster Risk
Nobles County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nobles County, Minnesota
Nobles County above national average risk
With a composite risk score of 50.16, Nobles County earns a "Relatively Low" rating but still exceeds the national average. Tornado risk at 73.51 is the primary driver, positioning the county in the elevated hazard exposure category.
Mid-range risk for Minnesota
Nobles County's score of 50.16 exceeds Minnesota's statewide average of 42.38, placing it in the higher-risk half statewide. Tornado exposure is the distinguishing factor elevating its ranking among the state's 87 counties.
Higher tornado risk than western neighbors
Nobles County faces notably elevated tornado risk (73.51) compared to nearby Murray and Lyon counties to the west. Its flood risk of 48.51 also exceeds regional averages, though wildfire remains minimal.
Tornadoes dominate, flooding secondary
Tornado risk is substantial in Nobles County at 73.51, significantly above state average and representing the primary natural hazard threat. Flooding at 48.51 presents secondary risk, while earthquake at 20.36 remains moderate.
Storm prep and flood coverage essential
Nobles County residents should establish a storm shelter plan and maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood coverage. Stay informed about severe weather warnings during spring and summer, and review evacuation routes from flood-prone areas near waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nobles County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nobles County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 50th, Nobles County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Nobles County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (20th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 74th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Nobles County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary flood hazard at the 49th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Nobles County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Nobles County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 7.8 points above the Minnesota state average, Nobles County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Minnesota county.
Is your household prepared for Nobles County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nobles County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Nobles County?
How does Nobles County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Nobles County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Nobles County higher risk than average?
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.