Rock County Disaster Risk
Rock County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
9th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#77
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
15th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rock County, Minnesota
Rock County is exceptionally safe
Rock County's composite risk score of 9.41 is among the lowest in the nation, earning a Very Low risk rating. Residents here face significantly fewer natural disaster threats than the typical American county.
Minnesota's safest county
At 9.41, Rock County's risk score is dramatically below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it the safest county in the state by a wide margin. This exceptional ranking reflects minimal exposure across nearly all hazard categories.
Safest in the southern region
Rock County (9.41) is far safer than neighboring Nobles County and substantially safer than Sibley County (22.96) to the north. Only a handful of Minnesota counties match Rock's exceptionally low risk profile.
Tornado risk exceeds other threats
Tornadoes represent Rock County's primary hazard at 36.16, still below the state average for this pervasive Midwestern threat. All other risks—flood (15.08), wildfire (7.54), and earthquake (7.03)—are minimal.
Standard insurance provides good coverage
Rock County's low overall risk means a standard homeowners policy covers most scenarios, though tornado/windstorm riders remain sensible. Residents should still maintain a weather emergency plan and stay alert during severe weather season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rock County
Risk Verdict
Rock County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 9th percentile nationally. Even at the 9th percentile, Rock County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Rock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 15th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (8th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 36th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Rock County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 15th percentile nationally means Rock County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Rock County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Rock County falls 33.0 points below Minnesota's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Rock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rock County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Rock County?
How does Rock County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
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Is Rock 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.