Natural Disaster Risk in Pipestone County

Natural Hazard Profile: Pipestone County, Minnesota

Pipestone County is located in the United States in Minnesota, home to roughly 9,414 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.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Pipestone County carries an overall risk score of 4.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to hail and drought.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Pipestone 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.