Apple Valley, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Apple Valley is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Dakota County.
Apple Valley is a city of 55,679 people in Dakota County, Minnesota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Dakota County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $134 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 653 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 41 tornadoes and 24 floods. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Dakota County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Apple Valley
Full Dakota County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $57M | |
| Tornado | $32M | |
| Strong wind | $19M | |
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Hail | $8M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $771K | |
| Ice storm | $184K | |
| Earthquake | $53K | |
| Drought | $50K | |
| Wildfire | $42K |
Homes in Apple Valley
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Dakota County
More cities in Dakota County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Apple Valley
Is Apple Valley safe from natural disasters?
Apple Valley is in Dakota County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Apple Valley?
By expected yearly losses in Dakota County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), strong wind (Very High). Dakota County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Apple Valley get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 41 tornadoes in Dakota County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on May 9, 2001 near Northfield. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Apple Valley?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Dakota County, about 0.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.