Natural Disaster Risk in Big Lake
Minnesota
Risk Summary for Big Lake
Big Lake scores 5.8/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Strong Wind.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Big Lake, Minnesota
Big Lake is a city of approximately 21,378 residents in Sherburne 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 Big Lake.
FEMA rates Big Lake's composite natural disaster risk at 5.8 out of 10 — moderate risk. Strong wind is the primary natural hazard, with the area exposed to downburst winds from convective storms that can exceed 80 mph and cause hurricane-level localized damage. Residents should also account for hail and wildfire risk in their preparedness planning.
Big Lake's risk score, slightly above the 5.2/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Sherburne County, the highest-scoring are wind, hail, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Big Lake residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wind is recommended.
What this means for Big Lake: Strong Wind preparedness
- Inspect and reinforce roofing, siding, and garage doors, which are common failure points in high winds.
- Secure or store outdoor furniture and loose objects that can become projectiles.
- Confirm your policy covers wind damage and keep an inventory of property for claims.
Local Factors for Big Lake
These city-level factors differentiate Big Lake from other communities in Sherburne County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
21,378
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.9/10
Coordinates
45.3776° N, 93.7411° W
Sherburne County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Big Lake
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Big Lake
Other cities in Minnesota
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.