Natural Disaster Risk in Benson

Natural Hazard Profile: Benson, Minnesota

Benson is a town of roughly 4,677 residents in Swift County, in the northern tier of the continental United States. The area experiences some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers, with severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Benson.

FEMA rates Benson's composite natural disaster risk at 4.9 out of 10 — moderate risk. Severe winter storms top the local risk profile, bringing blizzard conditions, ice storms, and extreme cold that pose health risks and cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Residents should also account for hail and cold wave risk in their preparedness planning.

Benson's risk score, near the 5.2/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Swift County, the highest-scoring are winter, hail, and cold wave. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Benson's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that winter exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.