Pennington County Disaster Risk
Pennington County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
47th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pennington County, Minnesota
Pennington's risk sits slightly above U.S. average
Pennington County scores 46.98 on the composite risk scale, placing it modestly above the national average. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects a mixed hazard profile—some risks exceed national norms while others remain manageable. Understanding which threats matter most locally helps you prepare more effectively.
Mid-range risk ranking within Minnesota
Pennington County's composite score of 46.98 slightly exceeds Minnesota's average of 42.38, ranking it toward the middle of the state's 87 counties. While not among Minnesota's safest or most at-risk counties, the profile warrants focused preparation for specific hazards. Regional neighbors show notably different risk patterns worth comparing.
Northwestern peers face varied hazard exposure
Pennington County's risk level (46.98) falls between Polk County to the west at 67.05 and Pope County to the south at 20.55, reflecting Pennington's middle position in the northwest region. Pennington faces higher wildfire exposure (82.25) than Pope County (36.51), while tornado risk (26.40) remains well below Minnesota's most vulnerable counties. This clustering shows how geography shapes distinct disaster patterns across neighboring areas.
Wildfire and flood dominate Pennington's hazard mix
Wildfire risk reaches 82.25 in Pennington County—among the state's highest—driven by forest coverage and seasonal dryness that make spring and fall particularly dangerous. Flood risk scores 67.81, reflecting seasonal river dynamics and spring snowmelt that periodically threaten communities and infrastructure across the county. Tornado risk is comparatively low at 26.40, well below the state median.
Prepare for fire and water in Pennington County
Standard homeowners insurance rarely covers wildfire or flood damage, making separate coverage essential—obtain a wildfire rider and file a National Flood Insurance Program policy if you're in a mapped flood zone. Create defensible space around structures by clearing vegetation and gutters, and maintain a property evacuation plan given the county's elevated wildfire threat. Review your coverage annually and after any hazard event to ensure protection keeps pace with property value.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pennington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pennington County
Risk Verdict
Pennington County ranks at the 47th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Even at the 47th percentile, Pennington County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pennington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (26th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Pennington County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Pennington County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary flood exposure at the 68th percentile nationally means Pennington County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Pennington County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 4.6 points from the Minnesota average, making Pennington County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Pennington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pennington County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Pennington County?
How does Pennington County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Pennington County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pennington 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.