Natural Disaster Risk in Saint James
Minnesota
Risk Summary for Saint James
Saint James scores 4.8/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Winter Weather.
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: Saint James, Minnesota
Saint James is a town of roughly 6,172 residents in Watonwan 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 Saint James.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Saint James carries an overall risk score of 4.8/10, 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 drought and cold wave.
Saint James'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 Watonwan County, the highest-scoring are winter, drought, and cold wave. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Saint James 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.
What this means for Saint James: Winter Weather preparedness
- Insulate pipes and keep a backup heat source to prevent freezing during extended cold.
- Maintain an emergency kit in your vehicle and home for snow- or ice-related power outages.
- Clear roof snow loads when heavy to prevent structural strain and ice dams.
Local Factors for Saint James
These city-level factors differentiate Saint James from other communities in Watonwan County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
6,172
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.0/10
Coordinates
43.9935° N, 94.6306° W
Watonwan 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 Saint James
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Saint James
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.