Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 55314
Buffalo Lake, Minnesota
Risk Summary for ZIP 55314
ZIP 55314 scores 5.5/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
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: ZIP 55314, Minnesota
ZIP 55314 covers part of the Buffalo Lake area, in the interior eastern United States. The surrounding region experiences some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers, with severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks shaping the natural hazards that residents of this ZIP code face. Risk scores here are derived from FEMA data for the encompassing county.
FEMA rates ZIP 55314's composite natural disaster risk at 5.5 out of 10 — moderate risk. The area faces significant drought exposure, where below-average precipitation over extended periods strains water resources and drives secondary hazards like wildfire and crop failure. Residents should also account for wind and winter risk in their preparedness planning.
ZIP 55314'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, the highest-scoring are drought, wind, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
ZIP 55314's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that drought exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for ZIP 55314: Drought preparedness
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 55314
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 55314 from other communities in Minnesota County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,187
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.6/10
Coordinates
44.7721° N, 94.6000° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 55314
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Minnesota
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.