Kewaunee County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 17th
Kewaunee County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 17.3, 17th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Kewaunee County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 17.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 17th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. 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 Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 5.16 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $548K in expected annual loss and about 1.43 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Low risk — $214K in expected annual loss and about 29.40 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 21K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kewaunee 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.
History supports the rating: Kewaunee County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 2 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Kewaunee County ranks #68 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.16 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 1.43 / yr | $548K |
| Lightning | Low | 29.40 / yr | $214K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.21 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.54 / yr | $423K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $6K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $332 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.68 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 16.16 / yr | $23K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.95 / yr | $76K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.19 / yr | $10K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $16K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Kewaunee County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (2), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| July 1990 | 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 Kewaunee County?
Kewaunee County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 17.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 17th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kewaunee County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Hail (Low, $548K EAL), Lightning (Low, $214K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kewaunee County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Kewaunee County ranks #68 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kewaunee County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Kewaunee County since 1973, most often 2 for flood events and 2 for biological 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. Kewaunee County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.