Roseau County Disaster Risk
Roseau County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Roseau County, Minnesota
Roseau faces moderate national risk
Roseau County's composite risk score of 43.86 slightly exceeds the national average, carrying a Relatively Low rating. The score masks a significant concentration of wildfire danger that sets this county apart from most peers.
Slightly above Minnesota's average
At 43.86, Roseau County's risk score edges above Minnesota's state average of 42.38, reflecting above-average exposure to specific hazards. The county's Relatively Low rating indicates manageable but non-trivial disaster risk.
Wildfire risk distinguishes Roseau
Roseau County (43.86) shares similar overall risk with other northern Minnesota counties, but its wildfire score of 91.00 is extraordinary—the highest among all counties in this comparison. This unique vulnerability sets Roseau apart from neighbors like Koochiching and Lake counties.
Wildfire danger is extreme
Roseau County's wildfire risk of 91.00 is by far its dominant hazard and among the highest in Minnesota, driven by vast forested landscapes and dry conditions. Flooding poses a secondary threat at 59.96, while tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal.
Prioritize wildfire preparedness
Roseau County residents must focus on wildfire mitigation: clear vegetation within 30 feet of structures, use fire-resistant roofing, and maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance. Consider brush clearing as a annual priority and develop an evacuation plan for wildfire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Roseau County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Roseau County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Roseau County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 44th percentile. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Roseau County's favorable 44th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Roseau County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (17th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 91th percentile nationally, Roseau County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Roseau County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 60th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Roseau County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Roseau County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Roseau County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Minnesota county average, with a 1.5-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Roseau County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Roseau County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Roseau County?
How does Roseau County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Roseau County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Roseau 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.