Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Minnesota
Washington faces nearly double-average risk
Washington County scores 83.87 with a Relatively Moderate rating, nearly doubling the national average for disaster exposure. This urban-adjacent county in the Twin Cities metro experiences higher hazard concentration than most U.S. communities.
Highest-risk county in Minnesota
Washington's 83.87 composite score nearly doubles Minnesota's 42.38 state average, making it by far the riskiest county statewide. The county's metro location and geography compound exposure across multiple threat types.
Washington's risks far exceed peers
Washington County (83.87) dwarfs neighboring Watonwan (23.89) and Waseca (24.68) counties. Only Wright County (68.42) comes close, though Washington remains substantially more exposed to overlapping hazards.
Tornado, flood, and wildfire compound
Tornado risk (94.37) leads statewide, while flood risk (83.49) and wildfire risk (64.03) each rank among Minnesota's highest. The convergence of these three threats creates outsized vulnerability for residents and infrastructure.
Comprehensive coverage is essential
Washington County residents should secure robust homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and flood damage—and strongly consider separate flood insurance given the 83.49 flood risk score. Wildfire exposure warrants defensible space maintenance around your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washington County at the 84th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (64th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 94th percentile nationally, Washington County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 83th percentile nationally means Washington County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Washington County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Washington County is 41.5 composite risk points above the Minnesota average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Washington County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.