Natural Disaster Risk in Clay County

Natural Hazard Profile: Clay County, Minnesota

Clay County is located in the United States in Minnesota, home to roughly 65,291 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 Clay County's composite natural disaster risk at 5.8 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 cold wave and hail risk in their preparedness planning.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Clay 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 winter is recommended.