Winona County Disaster Risk
Winona County, Minnesota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
69th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 87 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Winona County, Minnesota
Winona faces above-average disaster risk
Winona County scores 69.47 with a Relatively Low rating, significantly above the national average for composite disaster exposure. The county's bluff and river geography creates concentrated hazard vulnerability.
Among Minnesota's riskier counties
Winona's 69.47 score exceeds Minnesota's 42.38 state average by 64%, placing it in the upper tier of statewide risk exposure. Geographic position in the southeastern corner contributes substantially to flood and tornado vulnerability.
Winona rivals Wright County's exposure
Winona (69.47) and Wright County (68.42) sit in Minnesota's elevated-risk cohort, substantially outpacing safer neighbors like Waseca (24.68) and Watonwan (23.89). Regional geography pushes both counties toward higher composite scores.
Flood and tornado dominate threats
Flood risk (78.82) and tornado risk (76.05) rank among Minnesota's highest, reflecting Winona's position in bluff country along the Mississippi River. Wildfire exposure remains minimal at 16.83, and the county faces zero hurricane risk.
Flood and storm insurance are critical
Winona homeowners must prioritize flood insurance given the 78.82 flood risk score—standard policies rarely cover flood damage. Ensure robust tornado and severe storm coverage in your homeowners policy, particularly if near riverine or low-lying areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Winona County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Winona County
Risk Verdict
Winona County ranks at the 69th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Winona County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (17th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Winona County sits at the 79th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 76th percentile nationally, means Winona County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Winona County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Minnesota counties, Winona County runs 27.1 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Winona County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Winona County, MN?
What types of natural hazards affect Winona County?
How does Winona County risk compare to the Minnesota average?
Is Winona County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Winona 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.