Oneida County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 63th
Oneida County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 62.5, 63th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $24M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Oneida County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 62.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 63rd 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 Oneida County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 9.26 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $193K in expected annual loss and about 17.89 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $651K in expected annual loss and about 29.06 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $24M in expected annual loss for a population of 38K.
Beyond physical exposure, Oneida 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 federal record bears this out: Oneida County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 3 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Oneida County ranks #38 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 9.26 / yr | $11M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 17.89 / yr | $193K |
| Lightning | Medium | 29.06 / yr | $651K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.36 / yr | $10M |
| Hail | Low | 1.55 / yr | $297K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.28 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.47 / yr | $305K |
| Drought | Very Low | 3.24 / yr | $24K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.12 / yr | $31K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.34 / yr | $117 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $37K |
| 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
Oneida County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Biological (2), Severe Storm (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 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 1999 | Flood | Wi-Flood-07/20/99 |
| July 1984 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| October 1977 | Severe Storm | Winds, Hail & Rain |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Oneida County?
Oneida County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 62.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 63th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Oneida County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $11M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $193K EAL), Lightning (Medium, $651K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Oneida County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Oneida County ranks #38 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Oneida County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Oneida County since 1976, most often 3 for flood 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. Oneida County's $24M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.