Sauk County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Sauk County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 72.1, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $36M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sauk County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 72.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd 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 — $3M in expected annual loss and about 3.55 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $51K in expected annual loss and about 0.47 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 5.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $36M in expected annual loss for a population of 66K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sauk 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: Sauk County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 7 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Sauk County ranks #22 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 3.55 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Medium | 0.47 / yr | $51K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.89 / yr | $6M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.54 / yr | $4M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.79 / yr | $20M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.26 / yr | $939K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.63 / yr | $811K |
| Lightning | Low | 35.60 / yr | $298K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.40 / yr | $99K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.63 / yr | $62K |
| Drought | Low | 3.49 / yr | $40K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $53K |
| 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
Sauk County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Flood (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| August 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms 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 |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & 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 Sauk County?
Sauk County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 72.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sauk County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $3M EAL), Landslide (Medium, $51K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $6M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sauk County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Sauk County ranks #22 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sauk County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Sauk County since 1976, most often 7 for severe storm events and 4 for flood 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. Sauk County's $36M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.