Monroe County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 79th
Monroe County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 78.8, 79th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $31M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Monroe County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 78.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 79th 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 cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 7.16 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $73K in expected annual loss and about 0.54 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.31 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $31M in expected annual loss for a population of 46K.
Beyond physical exposure, Monroe County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Monroe County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 7 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Monroe County ranks #14 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 7.16 / yr | $10M |
| Landslide | Medium | 0.54 / yr | $73K |
| Hail | Medium | 3.31 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.96 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.71 / yr | $14M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.37 / yr | $3M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.53 / yr | $939K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.21 / yr | $58K |
| Lightning | Low | 35.02 / yr | $164K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.13 / yr | $59K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Drought | Very Low | 4.49 / yr | $18K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Monroe County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Flood (4), Biological (2).
| 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 |
| October 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Landslides |
| October 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mud |
| October 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Monroe County?
Monroe County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 78.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 79th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Monroe County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $10M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $73K EAL), Hail (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Monroe County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Monroe County ranks #14 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Monroe County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Monroe County since 1976, most often 7 for severe storm events and 4 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. Monroe County's $31M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.