Florence County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 54th
Florence County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 54.2, 54th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $18M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Florence County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 54.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 54th 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.
Risk here concentrates in cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $16M in expected annual loss and about 8.47 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $212K in expected annual loss and about 1.33 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Very Low risk — $63K in expected annual loss and about 27.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $18M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Florence County has a medium 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Florence County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 2 for biological events and 1 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Florence County ranks #44 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 8.47 / yr | $16M |
| Hail | Low | 1.33 / yr | $212K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 27.32 / yr | $63K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 16.69 / yr | $15K |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.66 / yr | $75 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $77K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $23 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.41 / yr | $62K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $5K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $329 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $544 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Florence County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (1), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 1999 | Flood | Wi-Flood-07/20/99 |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Florence County?
Florence County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 54.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 54th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Florence County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $16M EAL), Hail (Low, $212K EAL), Lightning (Very Low, $63K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Florence County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Florence County ranks #44 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Florence County had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Florence County since 1976, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for severe storm 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. Florence County's $18M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.