Buffalo County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Buffalo County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 14.5, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Buffalo County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 14.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 15th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $80K in expected annual loss and about 0.75 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $484K in expected annual loss and about 4.16 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 7.79 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 13K.
Beyond physical exposure, Buffalo County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Buffalo County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Buffalo County ranks #69 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Medium | 0.75 / yr | $80K |
| Hail | Low | 4.16 / yr | $484K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 7.79 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Low | 4.23 / yr | $85K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.56 / yr | $63K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.35 / yr | $869K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.42 / yr | $160K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.36 / yr | $329K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.00 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Low | 36.35 / yr | $100K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 16.79 / yr | $25K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Buffalo County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Flood (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mud |
| October 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2001 | Flood | Flooding, Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| July 1998 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms,Straigh Line Winds, Tornadoes,Rain,and Floodi |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| September 1992 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Buffalo County?
Buffalo County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 14.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 15th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Buffalo County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Medium, $80K EAL), Hail (Low, $484K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Buffalo County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Buffalo County ranks #69 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Buffalo County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Buffalo County since 1965, most often 6 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in June 2026.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Buffalo County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.