Wisconsin natural disaster risk
Wisconsin ranks #21 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are cold wave, hail, tornado.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Wisconsin's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County | 926,331 | 98.4 | Relatively High |
| Dane County | 572,674 | 93.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Waukesha County | 411,762 | 88.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Brown County | 270,892 | 90.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Racine County | 197,532 | 85.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Outagamie County | 192,826 | 79.7 | Relatively Low |
| Winnebago County | 171,769 | 86.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Kenosha County | 168,438 | 85.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Rock County | 164,350 | 86.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Marathon County | 138,403 | 87.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Washington County | 137,879 | 68.3 | Relatively Low |
| La Crosse County | 120,488 | 80.5 | Relatively Low |
| Sheboygan County | 117,991 | 70.2 | Relatively Low |
| Eau Claire County | 107,116 | 78.3 | Relatively Low |
| Walworth County | 105,657 | 74.8 | Relatively Low |
| Fond du Lac County | 104,137 | 76.3 | Relatively Low |
| St. Croix County | 96,033 | 64.1 | Relatively Low |
| Ozaukee County | 92,966 | 50.3 | Relatively Low |
| Dodge County | 88,742 | 69.9 | Relatively Low |
| Jefferson County | 86,003 | 75.8 | Relatively Low |
| Manitowoc County | 81,406 | 68.9 | Relatively Low |
| Wood County | 74,004 | 75.9 | Relatively Low |
| Portage County | 70,832 | 62.7 | Relatively Low |
| Chippewa County | 66,799 | 67.3 | Relatively Low |
| Sauk County | 66,009 | 72.1 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Wisconsin
- Kewaunee County 17.3
- Iowa County 23.4
- Calumet County 30.2
- Taylor County 37.2
- Pierce County 42.3
- Waushara County 43.3
- Green County 46.4
- Door County 46.9
Cities in Wisconsin
- Minneapolis, MN risk 86.1
- Milwaukee, WI risk 90.5
- Madison, WI risk 87.8
Frequently asked questions
Is Wisconsin safe from natural disasters?
Wisconsin's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 78.6 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #21 of 51 from safest. About 16% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Wisconsin?
The highest relative risks in Wisconsin are cold wave, hail, tornado (national percentile scores 93, 88, 84).
Where is the safest place to live in Wisconsin?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Kewaunee County, Iowa County, Calumet County.