Natural Disaster Risk in Williams
Minnesota
Risk Summary for Williams
Williams scores 3.2/10 (Low risk), below 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
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Williams, Minnesota
Williams is a small community of about 905 in Lake of the Woods 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 Williams.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Williams carries an overall risk score of 3.2/10, placing it in the low 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 drought and tsunami.
Williams's risk score, considerably below the 5.2/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Lake of the Woods County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, drought, and tsunami. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Williams is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers wildfire — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Williams: 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 Williams
These city-level factors differentiate Williams from other communities in Lake of the Woods County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
905
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Northern Continental
Latitude 48.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 6.1/10
Coordinates
48.7859° N, 94.9100° W
Lake of the Woods 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 Williams
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Williams
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.