Manitowoc County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 69th
Manitowoc County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 68.9, 69th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $32M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Manitowoc County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 68.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 69th 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 Manitowoc County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 1.74 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 5.37 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 1.05 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $32M in expected annual loss for a population of 81K.
Beyond physical exposure, Manitowoc 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Manitowoc County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 3 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, Manitowoc County ranks #27 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 1.74 / yr | $4M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.37 / yr | $6M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 1.05 / yr | $2M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.43 / yr | $4M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.75 / yr | $15M |
| Lightning | Medium | 30.51 / yr | $489K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 17.21 / yr | $113K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.86 / yr | $853K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $1K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $8K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.17 / yr | $33K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $53K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $8K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Manitowoc County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| July 1990 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| March 1976 | Flood | Severe Storms, Icing, Wind & Flooding |
| April 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Manitowoc County?
Manitowoc County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 68.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 69th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Manitowoc County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $4M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $6M EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Manitowoc County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Manitowoc County ranks #27 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Manitowoc County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Manitowoc County since 1973, most often 3 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. Manitowoc County's $32M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.