Steele County Disaster Risk
Steele County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% 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 Steele County, Minnesota
Steele County carries very low overall risk
Steele County's composite risk score of 37.15 sits safely below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it in the very low risk category. While not risk-free, the county's exposure to natural disasters remains manageable compared to national standards.
Middle-of-the-road risk for Minnesota
Among Minnesota's 87 counties, Steele ranks in the lower-risk portion but not at the absolute bottom. The county's 37.15 score reflects moderate tornado exposure (70.99) offset by minimal wildfire and earthquake threats.
Similar risk profile to nearby counties
Steele County's 37.15 risk score aligns closely with Todd County (37.72), making them peer communities in terms of natural disaster exposure. Both counties benefit from being removed from Minnesota's highest-risk zones.
Tornadoes present primary concern
Tornado risk dominates Steele County's hazard profile at 70.99, representing the only significant threat in the county's risk portfolio. Flood (42.21), wildfire (10.46), and earthquake (9.51) risks all remain well below concerning levels.
Storm shelter and standard coverage suffice
A basement safe room or community storm shelter addresses Steele County's primary tornado risk effectively. Standard homeowners insurance covers most weather-related damage, though residents should verify coverage limits for wind and hail damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Steele County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Steele County
Risk Verdict
Steele County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 37th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 37th percentile nationally is an advantage for Steele County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Steele County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (10th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 71th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Steele 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 42th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Steele County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Steele 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
Steele County falls 5.2 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 Steele County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Steele County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Steele County?
How does Steele County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
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Is Steele 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.