Marinette County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 80th
Marinette County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 80.0, 80th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $41M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Marinette County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 80.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 80th 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.
Risk here concentrates in cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $23M in expected annual loss and about 6.22 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at High risk — $788K in expected annual loss and about 27.88 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $690K in expected annual loss and about 1.38 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $41M in expected annual loss for a population of 42K.
Beyond physical exposure, Marinette County has a medium 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: Marinette County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Marinette County ranks #12 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 6.22 / yr | $23M |
| Lightning | High | 27.88 / yr | $788K |
| Hail | Medium | 1.38 / yr | $690K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.71 / yr | $14M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 15.78 / yr | $119K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.49 / yr | $616K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.27 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.07 / yr | $73K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $38K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.55 / yr | $86K |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.96 / yr | $3K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.34 / yr | $93 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Avalanche | 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
Marinette County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| July 2002 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and 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 Marinette County?
Marinette County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 80.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 80th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Marinette County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $23M EAL), Lightning (High, $788K EAL), Hail (Medium, $690K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Marinette County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Marinette County ranks #12 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Marinette County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Marinette County since 1973, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for flood 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. Marinette County's $41M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.