🌍 ClimateRiskCheck

Natural Disaster Risk β€” ZIP Code 56137

Heron Lake, Minnesota

4.9out of 10
Moderate Risk

Risk Summary for ZIP 56137

ZIP 56137 scores 4.9/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Winter Weather.

Top Hazards

Winter Weather Hail Ice Storm

All 18 Hazard Scores

Winter Weather
7.7
Hail
7.5
Ice Storm
7.1
Drought
6.8
Cold Wave
6.5
Tsunami
5.4
Volcanic Activity
5.1
Tornado
4.9
Coastal Flooding
4.9
Avalanche
4.5
Landslide
4.3
Wildfire
4.1
Extreme Heat
3.8
Strong Wind
3.2
Lightning
2.9
Hurricane
2.4
Earthquake
1.7
Riverine Flooding
1.0

How it compares

ZIP 56137
4.9
Minnesota avg.
5.2
US national avg.
4.5

Live Conditions

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🏠 What this means for insurance

Average risk β€” 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 56137, Minnesota

Located in the interior eastern United States, ZIP 56137 serves the Heron Lake community. The continental climate of this part of Minnesota β€” bringing some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers β€” directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.

ZIP 56137's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. Secondary hazards include hail and ice storm.

Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 56137's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by winter and hail, as measured by FEMA across Minnesota. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

ZIP 56137'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 winter exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.

What this means for ZIP 56137: Winter Weather preparedness

  • Maintain an emergency kit in your vehicle and home for snow- or ice-related power outages.
  • Clear roof snow loads when heavy to prevent structural strain and ice dams.
  • Insulate pipes and keep a backup heat source to prevent freezing during extended cold.

Risk for the surrounding area

Local Factors for ZIP 56137

These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 56137 from other communities in Minnesota County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.

Population

1,039

Small Town

Geographic Zone

Inland

Reduced coastal hazard exposure

Climate Band

Cool Continental

Latitude 43.8Β°

Flood Terrain

Minimal β€” county topography limits flood risk

Flood score: 1.0/10

Wildfire Exposure

Lower β€” moist climate limits wildfire frequency

Fire score: 4.1/10

Coordinates

43.8325Β° N, 95.3242Β° 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 56137

Last 12 months Β· Source: Open-Meteo archive

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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 β€” consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.