Douglas County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 62th
Douglas County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 62.4, 62th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $25M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Douglas County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 62.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 62nd 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 High risk — $12M in expected annual loss and about 11.16 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $611K in expected annual loss and about 29.46 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Low risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 0.54 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $25M in expected annual loss for a population of 44K.
Beyond physical exposure, Douglas County has a 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.
History supports the rating: Douglas County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1972, 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, Douglas County ranks #39 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 11.16 / yr | $12M |
| Lightning | Medium | 29.46 / yr | $611K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.54 / yr | $11M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.11 / yr | $681K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 25.21 / yr | $85K |
| Hail | Low | 1.75 / yr | $234K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $27K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.18 / yr | $302K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.20 / yr | $471K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $28K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $81 |
| Drought | Very Low | 10.17 / yr | $937 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| Avalanche | 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
Douglas County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1972, 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 |
| August 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| August 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2001 | Flood | Flooding, Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| August 1999 | Flood | Wi-Flood-07/20/99 |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
| September 1972 | Flood | Heavy Rains & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Douglas County?
Douglas County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 62.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 62th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Douglas County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $12M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $611K EAL), Riverine Flood (Low, $11M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Douglas County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Douglas County ranks #39 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Douglas County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Douglas County since 1972, 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. Douglas County's $25M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.