Mankato, Minnesota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Mankato is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Blue Earth County.
Mankato is a city of 45,473 people in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Parts of Mankato also reach into Nicollet County and Le Sueur County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Blue Earth County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $33.2 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 450 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 43 tornadoes and 34 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Blue Earth County, the county with most of the population Mankato sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Mankato
Full Blue Earth 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $12M | |
| Cold wave | $10M | |
| Tornado | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $948K | |
| Drought | $930K | |
| Winter weather | $610K | |
| Ice storm | $94K | |
| Lightning | $82K | |
| Earthquake | $20K | |
| Wildfire | $17K |
Homes in Mankato
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 Blue Earth County
Other cities in Minnesota
All ›Common questions about Mankato
Is Mankato safe from natural disasters?
Mankato is in Blue Earth County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Mankato?
By expected yearly losses in Blue Earth County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Blue Earth County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Mankato get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 43 tornadoes in Blue Earth County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 29, 1998 near Cambria. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Mankato?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Blue Earth County, about 0.2% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.