Ramsey County Disaster Risk
Ramsey County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
95th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
94th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ramsey County, Minnesota
Ramsey County faces substantially above-average U.S. risk
Ramsey County scores 94.62 on the composite risk scale, placing it far above the national average and earning a "Relatively High" risk rating. This elevated exposure is driven by exceptional tornado risk (98.70) and significant flood threat (93.80) that reflect the county's urban density and river exposure. Ramsey County represents one of Minnesota's most hazard-exposed areas.
Ramsey ranks among Minnesota's highest-risk counties
Ramsey County's composite score of 94.62 massively exceeds Minnesota's average of 42.38, ranking it in the state's top tier for natural disaster exposure. The tornado risk of 98.70 represents Minnesota's highest exposure, while flood risk of 93.80 reflects the Mississippi River's presence through the county. This exceptional vulnerability demands serious preparation from all Ramsey County residents.
Ramsey faces Minnesota's most concentrated urban hazard
Ramsey County's score of 94.62 substantially exceeds every surrounding county including Washington (data not provided in this set) and St. Croix to the east. The 98.70 tornado risk score represents the single highest hazard exposure of any Minnesota county, driven by the Twin Cities metropolitan area's expansive footprint and dense building stock. This exceptional position underscores Ramsey's unique vulnerability profile statewide.
Tornadoes and flooding threaten Ramsey County residents
Tornado risk reaches 98.70—Minnesota's absolute highest—reflecting Ramsey County's spring and early summer exposure to severe storms, hail, and potential large tornadoes that impact the Twin Cities metro area. Flood risk scores 93.80, driven by the Mississippi River and urban stormwater systems that can overwhelm capacity during heavy rain and snowmelt. Earthquake risk is elevated at 28.88 compared to most Minnesota counties, though still low in absolute terms.
Prioritize tornado and flood protection in Ramsey County
Establish a detailed family tornado plan with a safe room or basement shelter, and practice your plan seasonally—Ramsey County's exceptional tornado risk demands active preparedness. Verify that your homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, and obtain a separate flood insurance policy if your home is in a mapped flood zone or at risk from urban stormwater. Review coverage annually and after any property improvements to ensure protection keeps pace with home value and evolving risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ramsey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ramsey County
Risk Verdict
With a national rank of 95th percentile, Ramsey County faces above-average natural disaster pressure across several hazard categories. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Ramsey County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Ramsey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 94th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (53th percentile), earthquake (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ramsey County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 99th percentile nationally. In Ramsey 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 94th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Ramsey County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Ramsey County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Ramsey County households.
Regional Context
Ramsey County falls 52.2 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 Ramsey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ramsey County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Ramsey County?
How does Ramsey County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Ramsey County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Ramsey 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.