Natural Disaster Risk in Granite Falls
Minnesota
Risk Summary for Granite Falls
Granite Falls scores 5.1/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Extreme Heat.
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: Granite Falls, Minnesota
Granite Falls is a town of roughly 3,933 residents in Yellow Medicine County, in the interior eastern 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 Granite Falls.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Granite Falls carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and drought.
Granite Falls's risk score, near 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 Yellow Medicine County, the highest-scoring are heat, winter, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Granite Falls'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 heat exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Granite Falls: Extreme Heat preparedness
- Ensure reliable air conditioning and identify nearby cooling centers for extreme heat days.
- Check on elderly neighbors and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
- Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours when heat advisories are issued.
Local Factors for Granite Falls
These city-level factors differentiate Granite Falls from other communities in Yellow Medicine County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
3,933
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.5/10
Coordinates
44.7965° N, 95.5794° W
Yellow Medicine 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 Granite Falls
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Granite Falls
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.