Lincoln County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 53th
Lincoln County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 52.6, 53th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $19M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Lincoln County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 52.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 53rd 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.
Most of Lincoln County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 9.37 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $420K in expected annual loss and about 30.78 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $112K in expected annual loss and about 16.74 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $19M in expected annual loss for a population of 28K.
Beyond physical exposure, Lincoln County has a low 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Lincoln County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Lincoln County ranks #45 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 9.37 / yr | $8M |
| Lightning | Medium | 30.78 / yr | $420K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 16.74 / yr | $112K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.32 / yr | $9M |
| Hail | Low | 1.84 / yr | $238K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.27 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.72 / yr | $441K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.15 / yr | $38K |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.80 / yr | $30K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.53 / yr | $60K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.18 / yr | $35 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Lincoln County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| October 1977 | Severe Storm | Winds, Hail & Rain |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
| April 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| May 1969 | Flood | Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Lincoln County?
Lincoln County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 52.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 53th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Lincoln County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $8M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $420K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $112K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Lincoln County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Lincoln County ranks #45 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Lincoln County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Lincoln County since 1969, most often 2 for biological events and 2 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. Lincoln County's $19M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.