Watonwan County Disaster Risk
Watonwan County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#62
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Watonwan County, Minnesota
Watonwan ranks among safest places
Watonwan County scores 23.89 with a Very Low risk rating, roughly half the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county enjoys minimal hazard concentration compared to most U.S. communities.
Safest county in Minnesota
At 23.89, Watonwan ranks as Minnesota's lowest-risk county—44% below the state average of 42.38. Rural geography and distance from major urban corridors contribute to the county's exceptional safety profile.
Watonwan and Waseca lead the region
Watonwan (23.89) and nearby Waseca (24.68) form a low-risk pocket, while neighbors like Washington County (83.87) and Wright County (68.42) face substantially higher exposure. The southern tier of the region benefits from more moderate hazard profiles overall.
Tornado risk slightly elevated
Tornado risk (44.43) represents Watonwan's primary exposure, though it remains below state averages. Flood risk (24.90) and wildfire risk (9.19) both stay minimal, and earthquake exposure is negligible at 10.69.
Standard storm coverage suffices
Homeowners should maintain solid tornado and severe storm protections within their standard policy. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage keeps pace with property improvements—but Watonwan's risk profile doesn't demand specialized or premium coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Watonwan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Watonwan County
Risk Verdict
Watonwan County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 24th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. A 24th percentile score positions Watonwan County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Watonwan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 44th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (11th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Watonwan County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 44th percentile nationally. In Watonwan County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary flood hazard at the 25th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Watonwan County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Watonwan County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Watonwan County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Minnesota county average, Watonwan County's composite score runs 18.5 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Watonwan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Watonwan County, MN?
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Is Watonwan 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.