Green Lake County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 58th
Green Lake County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 58.0, 58th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Green Lake County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 58.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 58th 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 hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.73 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.26 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.28 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 19K.
Beyond physical exposure, Green Lake County has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Green Lake County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Green Lake County ranks #43 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 3.73 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 6.26 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.28 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.71 / yr | $651K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.46 / yr | $7M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.68 / yr | $336K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $28K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $810 |
| Drought | Low | 1.75 / yr | $64K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.74 / yr | $26K |
| Lightning | Low | 34.15 / yr | $72K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $29K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $14K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Green Lake County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Landslides |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| 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 Green Lake County?
Green Lake County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 58.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 58th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Green Lake County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Green Lake County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Green Lake County ranks #43 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Green Lake County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Green Lake County since 1973, most often 3 for severe storm 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. Green Lake County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.