Pope County Disaster Risk
Pope County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#68
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pope County, Minnesota
Pope County ranks among America's safer places
Pope County scores just 20.55 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and earning a "Very Low" risk designation. This low exposure reflects the county's prairie and agricultural landscape that limits fire and flood vulnerabilities. Pope County represents a genuinely safe option within the broader U.S. natural hazard context.
Pope among Minnesota's safest counties
Pope County's composite score of 20.55 ranks substantially below Minnesota's average of 42.38, placing it firmly in the state's safest tier. All hazard categories remain well below state medians, with flood risk at 36.70 and wildfire at 36.51 reflecting the county's open agricultural landscape. This protective position means Pope residents enjoy far lower disaster exposure than most Minnesotans.
Pope County benefits from prairie protection
Pope County's score of 20.55 ranks lower than Pennington County to the northeast (46.98) and Pipestone County to the south (14.73), placing it in a favorable middle-safe zone. Pope's agricultural terrain creates fewer fire and flood vulnerabilities than neighboring counties with greater forest coverage or river exposure. This geographic advantage results in genuinely minimal disaster risk across the county.
Tornado poses Pope County's primary hazard
Tornado risk reaches 30.18 in Pope County, the only hazard of substantial note—reflecting the county's prairie location where spring storms can develop quickly and intensely. Flood risk (36.70) and wildfire risk (36.51) both remain below state averages thanks to open agricultural landscape and limited forest coverage. Earthquake risk is negligible at 3.91.
Maintain tornado readiness in Pope County
While Pope County's overall risk remains very low, tornado preparedness is essential—identify a safe room or basement in your home and establish a family safety plan. Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, but verify your coverage limits reflect today's replacement costs. Review your policy every three years and after any significant home improvements to ensure adequate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pope County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pope County
Risk Verdict
Pope County's overall natural disaster score at the 21th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Pope County residents can take confidence from a 21th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Pope County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 37th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (30th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Pope County's top hazard at the 37th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 37th percentile nationally, means Pope County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Pope County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Pope County's composite risk score sits 21.8 points below the Minnesota county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Pope County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pope County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Pope County?
How does Pope County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Pope County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pope 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.