Natural Disaster Risk in Karlstad
Minnesota
Risk Summary for Karlstad
Karlstad scores 3.9/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Karlstad, Minnesota
Located in the northern tier of the continental United States in Kittson County, Karlstad is a small community of about 951. The continental climate that characterizes this part of Minnesota — marked by some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Karlstad a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Karlstad's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.9/10 (Low) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. Secondary hazards include drought and tsunami.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Karlstad's natural disaster risk is below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by wildfire and drought, as measured by FEMA across Kittson County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Karlstad is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers wildfire — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Karlstad: Wildfire preparedness
- Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
Local Factors for Karlstad
These city-level factors differentiate Karlstad from other communities in Kittson County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
951
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Northern Continental
Latitude 48.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.8/10
Coordinates
48.5863° N, 96.4928° W
Kittson 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 Karlstad
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Karlstad
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.