Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 56215
Benson, Minnesota
Risk Summary for ZIP 56215
ZIP 56215 scores 4.9/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Winter Weather.
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 56215, Minnesota
Located in the northern tier of the continental United States, ZIP 56215 serves the Benson community. The continental climate of this part of Minnesota — bringing some of the harshest winters in the lower 48 and warm summers — directly shapes the hazard exposure for properties in this postal area.
ZIP 56215'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 cold wave.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 56215'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.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 56215 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 winter is recommended.
What this means for ZIP 56215: 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 56215
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 56215 from other communities in Minnesota County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
4,677
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 5.3/10
Coordinates
45.3108° N, 95.5723° 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 56215
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.