Pipestone County Disaster Risk
Pipestone County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#72
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
19th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% 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 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pipestone County, Minnesota
Pipestone County ranks among America's safest
Pipestone County scores just 14.73 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This exceptionally low exposure reflects the county's prairie landscape, distance from major fault lines, and limited exposure to water hazards. Pipestone is one of Minnesota's genuinely low-risk counties.
Pipestone among Minnesota's safest counties
Pipestone County's composite score of 14.73 ranks far below Minnesota's average of 42.38, placing it in the state's safest tier. All individual hazards remain below state medians, with flood risk at 18.54 and wildfire at 19.08 reflecting the county's open prairie geography. This protective position means Pipestone residents face genuinely minimal disaster exposure statewide.
Pipestone enjoys exceptional advantage among peers
Pipestone County's score of 14.73 ranks substantially lower than surrounding counties including Pope (20.55) to the north and Redwood (35.05) to the east. This protective position reflects Pipestone's flat, open terrain and agricultural use that create fewer fire and flood vulnerabilities than neighboring forested or river-prone areas. The comparison underscores Pipestone's genuinely favorable position within the region.
Tornado is Pipestone's primary natural hazard concern
Tornado risk reaches 38.55 in Pipestone County, the only hazard exceeding state average—reflecting the county's exposure to severe spring and early summer storms common to prairie regions. Flood risk (18.54) and wildfire risk (19.08) remain very low thanks to the county's agricultural landscape with limited forest and moderate water drainage. Earthquake risk is negligible at 11.32.
Prepare for Pipestone's primary tornado threat
While Pipestone County's overall risk remains very low, tornado preparedness is essential given the 38.55 tornado risk score—identify a safe room or basement in your home and practice a family plan. Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, but ensure your coverage limits reflect your home's replacement cost in today's market. Review your policy every three years and after any significant home improvements or updates.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pipestone County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pipestone County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Pipestone County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 15th percentile. At the 15th percentile, Pipestone County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Pipestone County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 19th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (19th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 39th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Pipestone County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Pipestone County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 19th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Pipestone County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Pipestone County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Pipestone County is 27.7 composite risk points below the Minnesota state mean, meaning most other Minnesota counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Pipestone County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pipestone County, MN?
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Is Pipestone 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.