🌍 ClimateRiskCheck

Natural Disaster Risk β€” ZIP Code 56479

Staples, Minnesota

5.1out of 10
Moderate Risk

Risk Summary for ZIP 56479

ZIP 56479 scores 5.1/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.

Top Hazards

Wildfire Strong Wind Landslide

All 18 Hazard Scores

Wildfire
7.5
Strong Wind
6.6
Landslide
6.5
Hail
6.4
Lightning
6.1
Drought
5.7
Tsunami
5.4
Cold Wave
5.4
Volcanic Activity
5.1
Coastal Flooding
4.9
Tornado
4.7
Ice Storm
4.7
Extreme Heat
4.5
Avalanche
4.5
Winter Weather
4.1
Hurricane
2.4
Earthquake
1.9
Riverine Flooding
1.0

How it compares

ZIP 56479
5.1
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 56479, Minnesota

Located in the northern tier of the continental United States, ZIP 56479 serves the Staples 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 56479's overall natural disaster risk is rated 5.1/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. Secondary hazards include wind and landslide.

Relative to other U.S. communities, ZIP 56479's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by wildfire and wind, 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 56479 residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices β€” an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.

What this means for ZIP 56479: Wildfire preparedness

  • Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
  • Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
  • Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.

Risk for the surrounding area

Local Factors for ZIP 56479

These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 56479 from other communities in Minnesota County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.

Population

5,021

Small Town

Geographic Zone

Inland

Reduced coastal hazard exposure

Climate Band

Cool Continental

Latitude 46.4Β°

Flood Terrain

Minimal β€” county topography limits flood risk

Flood score: 1.0/10

Wildfire Exposure

Moderate β€” seasonal fire risk

Fire score: 7.5/10

Coordinates

46.4372Β° N, 94.7894Β° 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 56479

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.