Calumet County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 30th
Calumet County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 30.2, 30th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $19M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Calumet County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 30.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 30th 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.
Most of Calumet County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.35 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 5.68 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Low risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $19M in expected annual loss for a population of 52K.
Beyond physical exposure, Calumet County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Calumet County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 5 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Calumet County ranks #66 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 2.35 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.68 / yr | $4M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.21 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Low | 32.99 / yr | $518K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.58 / yr | $587K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.55 / yr | $814K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 15.74 / yr | $67K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $7M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $346 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $22K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $33K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Calumet County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2001 | Flood | Flooding, Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| July 1990 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Calumet County?
Calumet County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 30.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 30th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Calumet County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $4M EAL), Tornado (Low, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Calumet County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Calumet County ranks #66 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Calumet County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Calumet County since 1976, most often 5 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
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. Calumet County's $19M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.