Kenosha County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 85th
Kenosha County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 85.0, 85th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $64M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Kenosha County carries a medium composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 85.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 85th national percentile and near the national midpoint 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 — $25M in expected annual loss and about 4.89 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 35.18 events per year; and tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at High risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 0.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $64M in expected annual loss for a population of 169K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kenosha County has a 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.
History supports the rating: Kenosha County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 5 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Kenosha County ranks #9 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 4.89 / yr | $25M |
| Lightning | High | 35.18 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | High | 0.32 / yr | $10M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.94 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.85 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 3.21 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 2.00 / yr | $20M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $565K |
| Drought | Low | 6.54 / yr | $107K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.52 / yr | $64K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $261 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 15.63 / yr | $28K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Kenosha County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Flood (4), Snowstorm (4).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2020 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm and Flooding |
| April 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2008 | Snowstorm | Record Snow and Near Record Snow |
| August 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kenosha County?
Kenosha County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 85.0 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 85th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kenosha County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $25M EAL), Lightning (High, $2M EAL), Tornado (High, $10M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kenosha County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Kenosha County ranks #9 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kenosha County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Kenosha County since 1973, most often 5 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in June 2026.
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. Kenosha County's $64M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.