Natural Disaster Risk in Mahnomen County

Natural Hazard Profile: Mahnomen County, Minnesota

Mahnomen County is located in the United States in Minnesota, home to roughly 5,404 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 Mahnomen County's composite natural disaster risk at 4.3 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area faces significant drought exposure, where below-average precipitation over extended periods strains water resources and drives secondary hazards like wildfire and crop failure. Residents should also account for wildfire and landslide risk in their preparedness planning.

Mahnomen County'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 Mahnomen County, the highest-scoring are drought, wildfire, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Mahnomen 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 drought is recommended.