Natural Disaster Risk in Carlton County

Natural Hazard Profile: Carlton County, Minnesota

Carlton County is located in the United States in Minnesota, home to roughly 36,175 residents. The county experiences some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers, with severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

FEMA rates Carlton County's composite natural disaster risk at 4.9 out of 10 — moderate risk. Cold wave events are the primary hazard risk, driven by periodic invasions of Arctic air that drive wind chills to life-threatening levels and stress heating systems. Residents should also account for lightning and heat risk in their preparedness planning.

Carlton County'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 Carlton County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, lightning, and heat. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Carlton County 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 cold wave is recommended.