Natural Disaster Risk in Cambridge

Natural Hazard Profile: Cambridge, Minnesota

Cambridge is a city of approximately 16,729 residents in Isanti 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 Cambridge.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Cambridge carries an overall risk score of 4.6/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to hail and wind.

Cambridge's risk score, slightly below 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 Isanti County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, hail, and wind. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Cambridge 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 wildfire is recommended.