Lafayette County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 33th
Lafayette County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 33.1, 33th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Lafayette County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 33.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 33rd 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 5.79 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.56 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $17K in expected annual loss and about 0.30 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Lafayette County has a low 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.
History supports the rating: Lafayette County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 7 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, Lafayette County ranks #62 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.79 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.56 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.30 / yr | $17K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.77 / yr | $598K |
| Drought | Low | 5.15 / yr | $122K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.49 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.74 / yr | $237K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.82 / yr | $55K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.25 / yr | $4M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $35K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 14.95 / yr | $18K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 38.09 / yr | $58K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Lafayette County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mud |
| April 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| July 1990 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Lafayette County?
Lafayette County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 33.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 33th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Lafayette County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Landslide (Low, $17K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Lafayette County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Lafayette County ranks #62 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Lafayette County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Lafayette County since 1969, most often 7 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. Lafayette County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.