Pine County Disaster Risk
Pine County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
62th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
69th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% 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 Pine County, Minnesota
Pine County's risk moderately exceeds U.S. baseline
Pine County scores 62.15 on the composite risk scale, placing it comfortably above the national average. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects a diverse hazard profile anchored by elevated flood and wildfire exposure. The score signals meaningful but manageable risk that calls for targeted preparation rather than extreme alarm.
Pine County ranks among Minnesota's higher-risk counties
Pine County's composite score of 62.15 substantially exceeds Minnesota's state average of 42.38, positioning it in the upper third of the state's 87 counties. This elevation is driven primarily by flood risk (69.27) and wildfire exposure (65.78) that reflect the county's forest and river geography. The ranking underscores Pine's distinct vulnerability profile compared to most Minnesota counties.
Pine County faces higher exposure than northeast peers
Pine County's score of 62.15 notably exceeds Red Lake County to the west (2.16) and Polk County to the northwest (67.05), putting it in a distinctive middle-upper position. Pine's tornado risk (52.04) exceeds most regional neighbors, while its wildfire exposure (65.78) reflects substantial forest coverage that dominates northeastern Minnesota. This positioning makes Pine more vulnerable than some neighbors but less exposed than Minnesota's highest-risk counties.
Flooding and wildfire shape Pine County safety
Flood risk scores 69.27, reflecting the St. Louis and Kettle Rivers that drain through the county and pose seasonal inundation threats, especially during spring snowmelt. Wildfire risk reaches 65.78, driven by dense boreal forest that covers roughly 60% of the county and creates fuel for potential large-scale fires. Tornado risk is moderate at 52.04, more significant than lower-risk Minnesota counties but below the state's most tornado-prone areas.
Safeguard against water and fire in Pine County
Obtain a separate flood insurance policy immediately if your home is in a mapped flood zone—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Invest in a wildfire insurance rider and create defensible space by removing dead trees, clearing brush within 100 feet of structures, and keeping gutters clean. Meet with your insurance agent annually to verify coverage limits match your home's current replacement value and location-specific risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pine County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pine County
Risk Verdict
Pine County's FEMA risk score places it at the 62th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Pine County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (52th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 69th percentile nationally for flood risk, Pine County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 66th percentile nationally, means Pine County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Pine County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Minnesota county average is 19.8 composite points below Pine County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Pine County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pine County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Pine County?
How does Pine County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Pine County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pine 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.