Photo: Jon Platek · CC BY-SA 3.0Less hazard damage per building is expected in Fairmont than in 73% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Fairmont gets a B+ for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns, #72 of 274 in Minnesota. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (57%), then tornadoes (25%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Fairmont faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Strong wind
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Fairmont’s grade
River and rain flooding is 57% of the building damage FEMA expects in Fairmont, and Fairmont’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 76% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 25%, at a rate in the top 4% of U.S. census tracts.
B+ #72 of 274 in Minnesota; lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Fairmont’s residents live in 4 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Minnesota town has lower expected damage than 57% of U.S. towns; within the state, Fairmont has less expected damage per building than 74% of Minnesota towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $4.5M a year in losses across Fairmont: $2.6M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Fairmont flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Fairmont. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Fairmont
Disasters that paid out in Fairmont itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Fairmont), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms and Flooding32 households applied for aid$76K aid approved$13K to the City of Fairmont for repairs
- 2018Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$21K to the City of Fairmont for repairs
- 2014Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides$20K to the City of Fairmont for repairs
- 2010Severe Storms and Flooding$2K to the City of Fairmont for repairs
- 2004Severe Storms and Flooding39 households applied for aid$76K aid approved
Martin County has had 12 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Fairmont after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Fairmont archive →Fairmont and its neighbors
Fairmont has the lowest expected damage per building of the 1 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont | B+less damage than 73% | river and rain flooding | 0 |
| Rolling Green Township | — | 175 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Fairmont Township | — | 311 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Rutland Township | — | 292 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Fraser Township | — | 264 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Fairmont faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Fairmont
Is Fairmont at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Fairmont has lower expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns: B+ for hazard risk, #72 of 274 in Minnesota. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (57%) and tornadoes (25%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Fairmont in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map.
How much is flood insurance in Fairmont?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Fairmont’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Fairmont?
By FEMA money that reached Fairmont, Severe Storms and Flooding (2024): 32 households applied for aid, $76K approved, and $13K to the City of Fairmont for repairs.
Is Fairmont at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (57%), and Fairmont’s rate for it is lower than 76% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Fairmont.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Fairmont’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.