Many researchers have studied social vulnerability in coastal cities and at large scales, yet few have conducted investigations on a smaller scale. This study characterizes the current social vulnerability to flooding of Northfield, Minnesota, a small river town using the frameworks of Blaikie et al.’s (1994) social vulnerability definition and Cutter et al.’s community resilience dimensions (2008). Our methodology combines archival and interview analysis. Archival analysis illustrates that flooding has often been a risk to the economy, infrastructure, and people of Northfield. Interview analysis, through the lens of experts, residents, and business owners, shows how the community anticipated, coped with, resisted, and recovered from recent flood events. We generated 15 factors to characterize Northfield’s current social vulnerability to flooding, which generally fit into Cutter et al.’s dimensions (2008). We argue that Blaikie’s et al.’s (1994) definition and Cutter et al.’s (2008) dimensions are helpful frameworks to examine social vulnerability to environmental hazards in small communities. We also make policy suggestions for Northfield based on our 15 factors. We hope this study provide insights into flood management and research for Northfield and other small towns in Minnesota.

Contact: Kim Smith, ksmith@carleton.edu