Out of 23 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 23 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 56 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 5 |
Top 23 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hennepin | Minnesota | 13 | 2 | 2019 | 11/100 |
| 2 | Rice | Minnesota | 6 | 0 | 2023 | 6/100 |
| 3 | Dakota | Minnesota | 6 | 0 | 2023 | 6/100 |
| 4 | Olmsted | Minnesota | 4 | 0 | 2019 | 3/100 |
| 5 | Anoka | Minnesota | 3 | 3 | 2023 | 28/100 |
| 6 | Washington | Minnesota | 3 | 0 | 2020 | 6/100 |
| 7 | Crow Wing | Minnesota | 3 | 0 | 2020 | 6/100 |
| 8 | Goodhue | Minnesota | 2 | 0 | 2014 | 3/100 |
| 9 | Wabasha | Minnesota | 2 | 0 | 2014 | 3/100 |
| 10 | Scott | Minnesota | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 3/100 |
| 11 | Douglas | Minnesota | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 3/100 |
| 12 | Brown | Minnesota | 2 | 0 | 2011 | 2/100 |
| 13 | Clay | Minnesota | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 14 | Carver | Minnesota | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 11/100 |
| 15 | Watonwan | Minnesota | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 16 | Lake | Minnesota | 1 | 0 | 2013 | 1/100 |
| 17 | Cook | Minnesota | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 18 | Otter Tail | Minnesota | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 19 | Cass | Minnesota | 1 | 0 | 2013 | 1/100 |
| 20 | Chisago | Minnesota | 0 | 0 | — | 6/100 |
| 21 | Pope | Minnesota | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 22 | St. Louis | Minnesota | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 23 | Wadena | Minnesota | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Minnesota based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.