Marquette County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 48th
Marquette County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 47.6, 48th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Marquette County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 47.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 48th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.50 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 6.21 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $587K in expected annual loss and about 2.63 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 16K.
Beyond physical exposure, Marquette County has a medium 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.
The federal record bears this out: Marquette County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 3 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, Marquette County ranks #52 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 3.50 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 6.21 / yr | $5M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.63 / yr | $587K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.31 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $964 |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.32 / yr | $395K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $19K |
| Drought | Low | 2.56 / yr | $37K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.58 / yr | $22K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 34.00 / yr | $53K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $4K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $734 |
| 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
Marquette County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Landslides |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 1993 | 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 Marquette County?
Marquette County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 47.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 48th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Marquette County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $587K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Marquette County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Marquette County ranks #52 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Marquette County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Marquette County since 1973, most often 3 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. Marquette County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.