Redwood County Disaster Risk
Redwood County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
35th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% 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 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Redwood County, Minnesota
Redwood County's risk moderately exceeds U.S. baseline
Redwood County scores 35.05 on the composite risk scale, placing it modestly above the national average and earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This moderate exposure reflects a balanced hazard profile with flood (39.28) and tornado (39.34) risks that slightly exceed typical American levels. Redwood County presents manageable risk that benefits from focused preparation rather than heightened alarm.
Redwood ranks below Minnesota's state average
Redwood County's composite score of 35.05 falls modestly below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it slightly safer than the typical Minnesota county. Flood risk (39.28) and tornado risk (39.34) both track near or slightly below state medians, reflecting Redwood's southwestern location and mixed landscape. This positioning makes Redwood one of the safer Minnesota counties while still maintaining moderate hazard exposure.
Redwood occupies favorable middle-safe position regionally
Redwood County's score of 35.05 ranks lower than Polk County to the north (67.05) and Pennington County to the northeast (46.98), but higher than Pipestone County to the south (14.73). This middle positioning reflects Redwood's transition landscape between prairie and woodland that creates moderate rather than extreme hazard exposure. The regional comparison shows Redwood's relatively protective geographic advantage.
Tornado and flood pose Redwood's primary concerns
Tornado risk reaches 39.34, reflecting Redwood County's southwestern position where spring and early summer storms can develop and intensify across relatively open terrain. Flood risk scores 39.28, driven by the Minnesota River and Cottonwood River systems that drain the county and periodically overflow during heavy spring snowmelt and summer rainfall. Wildfire risk remains low at 18.61 thanks to limited forest coverage across the mostly agricultural county.
Prepare for floods and tornadoes in Redwood County
Establish a tornado safety plan with a designated safe room or basement, and practice it seasonally given Redwood County's tornado exposure. Obtain a flood insurance policy if your home is in a mapped flood zone or near either the Minnesota or Cottonwood Rivers—standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Review your insurance coverage annually and after any major home improvements to ensure protection remains adequate.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Redwood County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Redwood County
Risk Verdict
At the 35th percentile nationally, Redwood County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 35th percentile nationally is an advantage for Redwood County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Redwood County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (19th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Redwood County ranks at the 39th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Redwood County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 39th percentile nationally means Redwood County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Redwood County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 7.3 points below the Minnesota state average puts Redwood County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Redwood County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Redwood County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Redwood County?
How does Redwood County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Redwood County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Redwood 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.