Door County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 47th
Door County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 46.9, 47th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $15M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Door County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 46.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 47th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 5.11 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $609K in expected annual loss and about 1.11 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $15M in expected annual loss for a population of 30K.
Beyond physical exposure, Door County has a medium 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.
History supports the rating: Door County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 2 for biological events and 1 for hurricane events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Door County ranks #54 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.11 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Low | 1.11 / yr | $609K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.21 / yr | $7M |
| Lightning | Low | 26.49 / yr | $217K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.27 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.20 / yr | $486K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $16K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.17 / yr | $52K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $25K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $634 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.00 / yr | $23K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $16K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | 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
Door County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Hurricane (1), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
| April 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Door County?
Door County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 46.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 47th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Door County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL), Hail (Low, $609K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $7M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Door County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Door County ranks #54 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Door County had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Door County since 1973, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for hurricane 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. Door County's $15M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.