Eau Claire County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 78th
Eau Claire County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 78.3, 78th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $48M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Eau Claire County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 78.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 78th 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 Eau Claire County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $13M in expected annual loss and about 8.42 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.29 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.74 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $48M in expected annual loss for a population of 106K.
Beyond physical exposure, Eau Claire 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Eau Claire County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 3 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Eau Claire County ranks #15 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 8.42 / yr | $13M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.29 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | High | 2.74 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.27 / yr | $5M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.64 / yr | $24M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.20 / yr | $13K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 15.68 / yr | $173K |
| Lightning | Medium | 34.09 / yr | $629K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.79 / yr | $987K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.48 / yr | $182K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Drought | Very Low | 3.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Eau Claire County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| July 1980 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
| April 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| May 1969 | Flood | Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Eau Claire County?
Eau Claire County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 78.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 78th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Eau Claire County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $13M EAL), Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Eau Claire County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Eau Claire County ranks #15 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Eau Claire County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Eau Claire County since 1969, most often 3 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. Eau Claire County's $48M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.