Natural Disaster Risk in Swift County

Natural Hazard Profile: Swift County, Minnesota

Swift County is located in the United States in Minnesota, home to roughly 9,838 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 Swift County's composite natural disaster risk at 4.9 out of 10 — moderate risk. Severe winter storms top the local risk profile, bringing blizzard conditions, ice storms, and extreme cold that pose health risks and cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Residents should also account for hail and cold wave risk in their preparedness planning.

Swift County's risk score, near 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 Swift County, the highest-scoring are winter, hail, 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, Swift 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.