Chippewa County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 67th
Chippewa County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 67.3, 67th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $32M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Chippewa County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 67.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 67th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Chippewa County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 8.58 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.36 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 2.92 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $32M in expected annual loss for a population of 66K.
Beyond physical exposure, Chippewa 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: Chippewa County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 4 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Chippewa County ranks #32 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 8.58 / yr | $8M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.36 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Medium | 2.92 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.75 / yr | $16M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.39 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Medium | 33.45 / yr | $585K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.22 / yr | $5K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 16.74 / yr | $116K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.37 / yr | $555K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.41 / yr | $102K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $21 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| 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
Chippewa County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (4), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| May 2001 | Flood | Flooding, Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| July 1980 | Flood | Severe Storms & 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 Chippewa County?
Chippewa County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 67.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 67th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Chippewa County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $8M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $2M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Chippewa County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Chippewa County ranks #32 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Chippewa County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Chippewa County since 1973, most often 4 for flood 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. Chippewa County's $32M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.