Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 56278
Ortonville, Minnesota
Risk Summary for ZIP 56278
ZIP 56278 scores 4.2/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
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 56278, Minnesota
Located in the northern tier of the continental United States, ZIP 56278 serves the Ortonville 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 56278's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.2/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. Secondary hazards include winter and hail.
Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 56278's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and winter, as measured by FEMA across Minnesota. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
ZIP 56278'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 cold wave exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for ZIP 56278: Cold Wave preparedness
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 56278
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 56278 from other communities in Minnesota County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,698
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
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.0/10
Coordinates
45.3450° N, 96.3772° 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 56278
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.