Natural Disaster Risk in Thief River Falls
Minnesota
Risk Summary for Thief River Falls
Thief River Falls scores 4.6/10 (Moderate risk), near 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
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: Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Thief River Falls is a city of approximately 12,705 residents in Pennington County, in the northern tier of the continental 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 Thief River Falls.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Thief River Falls carries an overall risk score of 4.6/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and drought.
Thief River Falls'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 Pennington County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, winter, 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, Thief River Falls 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 wildfire is recommended.
What this means for Thief River Falls: Wildfire preparedness
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
- 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.
Local Factors for Thief River Falls
These city-level factors differentiate Thief River Falls from other communities in Pennington County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
12,705
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Northern Continental
Latitude 48.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.4/10
Coordinates
48.1202° N, 96.1994° W
Pennington 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 Thief River Falls
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Thief River Falls
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.