Olmsted County hazard data

Rochester, MN Disaster Risk

FEMA rates relative winter weather risk for Olmsted County as relatively high and reports FEMA annualized frequency of 6.811 per year for the area.

#1 of 7 covered Minnesota cities for winter weather risk β†’FEMA relative score 96.6/100 Β· county scale

FEMA summary

Rochester's winter weather risk is relatively high at county scale.

FEMA's profile for Olmsted County reports FEMA annualized frequency of 6.811 per year for winter weather. FEMA's relative risk rating for the area is relatively high; the annualized frequency is a separate measure.

Hazard metrics cover FEMA county-equivalent geographies rather than individual addresses or parcels. Use local or state hazard maps before making a property, insurance, retrofit, or evacuation decision.

FEMA annualized frequency

6.811 per year

View hazard details ↓
FEMA area population
162,489
Data geography
County equivalent
FEMA relative score
96.6/100
FEMA source
v1.19.0

Explore hazards

Select a hazard to inspect FEMA's figures for Olmsted County.

FEMA NRI profile

Winter Weather

Relatively High

FEMA combines its area-wide loss estimate and community data in this relative rating. Event frequency appears separately below.

Relative FEMA score

96.6/100

FEMA annualized frequency
6.811 per year
FEMA area loss estimate
$926,852
Recorded events
110

How to read this

Occurrence thresholds vary by hazard. The FEMA methodology defines the value for each hazard.

The area loss estimate combines FEMA's modeled losses to buildings, population, and agriculture across Olmsted County. It is not an estimate for a home or address.

City risk summary

Winter weather risk in Rochester

For Rochester, FEMA rates winter weather risk for Olmsted County as relatively high, with a relative score of 96.6/100. The next highest relative scores are cold wave at 95.1/100 and hail at 94.9/100.

Using FEMA data for Olmsted County, Rochester is #1 among 7 covered Minnesota entries for winter weather risk. La Crosse is about 64 straight-line miles from the Rochester map point; its FEMA figures cover La Crosse County.

What to check for winter weather

  • βœ“Check safe backup heat, pipe protection, and snow or ice removal plans.
  • βœ“Keep vehicle supplies ready for delays and closed roads.
  • βœ“Plan for several days without power, deliveries, or normal travel.

Household preparation

Official guidance β†—

For homeowners and movers

  • βœ“Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions.
  • βœ“Review policy exclusions, deductibles, and temporary-living coverage with a licensed professional.
  • βœ“Keep inspections, inventories, and critical documents in a secure location you can access after an emergency.

Preparedness actions

  • βœ“Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions.
  • βœ“Maintain water, food, lighting, medications, and communications for several days.
  • βœ“Create a household communication plan and practice it before an emergency.
Build your household checklist
Brownstone apartment buildings
Urban Survival

The Apartment Fortress

Living in Rochester? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.

Read the Guide β†’

Where this profile applies

The map shows Rochester. All FEMA figures on this page cover Olmsted County.

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City
Rochester, MN
FEMA data area
Olmsted County
County FIPS
27109

Questions about disaster risk in Rochester

The FEMA figures cover Olmsted County. Address-level conditions require local maps, building records, and property details.

How much winter weather risk does Rochester, MN have?

FEMA rates relative winter weather risk for Olmsted County as relatively high. Its FEMA annualized frequency is 6.811 per year. Damage at a specific address also depends on the building, soil, elevation, and exact hazard zone.

Where does Rochester rank for winter weather risk in Minnesota?

Among 7 Minnesota cities covered by this directory, Rochester is #1 for relative winter weather risk based on FEMA's score for Olmsted County. Homes within Rochester can have different soil, elevation, construction, and hazard-zone conditions.

Which natural hazards rank highest around Rochester?

In FEMA's data for Olmsted County, the highest relative ratings are Winter Weather (Relatively High), Cold Wave (Relatively High), and Hail (Relatively Moderate). FEMA uses estimated losses and community data along with event frequency when assigning these ratings.

Are the disaster-risk numbers for Rochester or Olmsted County?

The hazard numbers cover Olmsted County. For an individual home, check local fault, flood, fire, evacuation, and building records for the exact address.

Is Rochester safe from natural disasters?

FEMA gives Olmsted County an overall relative risk rating of relatively low. Conditions at a specific home depend on its hazard zones, building type, maintenance, insurance, and access to evacuation routes and emergency services.

What should a household in Rochester do first for winter weather preparedness?

Start with this step: Confirm the exact hazard using official local maps before making property or insurance decisions. Know how local officials issue warnings and evacuation instructions. Use Ready.gov Be Informed and local emergency guidance for a complete plan.

Nearby city comparisons

Distances are measured between city coordinates.

CityDistanceWinter Weather ratingRelative score
La Crosse, WI64 miRelatively Low47.4
Bloomington, MN70 miRelatively High94.2
St. Paul, MN71 miRelatively Moderate81.7
Eau Claire, WI74 miRelatively Moderate84.9
Minneapolis, MN76 miRelatively High94.2

Relevant preparedness gear

Limited to products tagged for winter weather or general preparedness.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.

Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container

Water

Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container

Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.

View product
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Power

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.

View product
Jackery Explorer 300

Power

Jackery Explorer 300

Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.

View product

Data sources

Hazard metrics come from FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 (March 2023). City population and coordinates come from SimpleMaps US Cities Database. For current conditions, use official local maps, warnings, inspections, and professional advice.