Olmsted County Disaster Risk
Olmsted County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% 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
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Olmsted County, Minnesota
Olmsted faces high national risk
Olmsted County's composite risk score of 82.35 earns a "Relatively Moderate" rating and significantly exceeds the national average. Tornado risk of 89.28 and flood risk of 86.86 make this southeastern Minnesota county one of the state's most hazard-exposed regions.
Highest-risk county in Minnesota
At 82.35, Olmsted County ranks as the highest or near-highest risk county statewide, nearly doubling Minnesota's average of 42.38. The county faces exceptional exposure across multiple major hazard categories.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Olmsted County's risk profile far exceeds neighboring Dodge, Wabasha, and Winona counties. Its tornado score of 89.28 and flood score of 86.86 are among the highest in the state, distinguishing it as a regional hazard hotspot.
Tornadoes and flooding are critical threats
Olmsted County residents face exceptional tornado risk at 89.28 and flood risk at 86.86—both among the highest in Minnesota. Combined, these hazards pose the county's primary natural disaster challenge, requiring comprehensive preparedness and protection measures.
Robust flood and storm coverage vital
Olmsted County residents must prioritize flood insurance separate from homeowners policies, given the 86.86 flood risk score. Invest in a home storm shelter or safe room, maintain a comprehensive emergency kit, and review all insurance annually for adequate coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Olmsted County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Olmsted County
Risk Verdict
Olmsted County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 82th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Olmsted County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Olmsted County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (20th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Olmsted County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 89th percentile nationally. In Olmsted County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 87th percentile nationally means Olmsted County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Olmsted County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Olmsted County households.
Regional Context
Olmsted County falls 40.0 points above Minnesota's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Olmsted County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Olmsted County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Olmsted County?
How does Olmsted County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Olmsted County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Olmsted 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.