Natural Disaster Risk in Yellow Medicine County

Natural Hazard Profile: Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota

Yellow Medicine County is located in the United States in Minnesota, home to roughly 9,528 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, Yellow Medicine County carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and drought.

Yellow Medicine County's risk score, near the 5.2/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Yellow Medicine County, the highest-scoring are heat, 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, Yellow Medicine 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 heat is recommended.