Renville County Disaster Risk
Renville County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
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 15% 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 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Renville County, Minnesota
Renville ranks very low nationally
With a composite risk score of 38.45, Renville County sits well below the national average and carries a Very Low risk rating overall. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, though localized hazards still warrant attention.
Below average risk for Minnesota
Renville's score of 38.45 beats Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it among the safer counties in the state. The county's Very Low rating reflects lower exposure to most hazard types compared to its neighbors.
Safer than nearby Rice and Scott
Renville's risk profile is noticeably lower than adjacent Rice County (75.45) and Scott County (76.56), both rated Relatively Low. However, neighboring Sibley County (22.96) carries slightly less overall risk, making Renville a middle ground in the region.
Tornadoes pose the greatest threat
Tornadoes represent Renville's highest risk at 51.53, well above its other hazards—nearly 3 times higher than wildfire risk (15.43). Flooding comes in second at 39.44, making severe weather preparedness the county's top priority.
Secure wind and flood coverage
Renville residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that explicitly covers tornado and wind damage, since standard policies often exclude these perils. Consider supplemental flood insurance as well, particularly if you live near drainage areas or have a basement.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Renville County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Renville County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Renville County ranks at the 38th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 38th percentile nationally, Renville County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Renville County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (15th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 52th percentile nationally makes Renville County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary flood hazard at the 39th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Renville County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Renville County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
Renville County sits within 3.9 composite points of the Minnesota state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Renville County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Renville County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Renville County?
How does Renville County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Renville County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Renville 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.