Shawano County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 63th
Shawano County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 63.1, 63th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $26M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Shawano County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 63.1 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 Shawano County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $11M in expected annual loss and about 6.74 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $725K in expected annual loss and about 31.10 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $735K in expected annual loss and about 2.16 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $26M in expected annual loss for a population of 41K.
Beyond physical exposure, Shawano County has a low 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 federal record bears this out: Shawano County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Shawano County ranks #36 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 6.74 / yr | $11M |
| Lightning | Medium | 31.10 / yr | $725K |
| Hail | Medium | 2.16 / yr | $735K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.24 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.39 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $3K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.29 / yr | $10M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.42 / yr | $284K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.19 / yr | $52K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.16 / yr | $43K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | 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
Shawano County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Flood (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 |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Shawano County?
Shawano County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 63.1 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 Shawano County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $11M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $725K EAL), Hail (Medium, $735K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Shawano County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Shawano County ranks #36 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Shawano County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Shawano County since 1976, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm 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. Shawano County's $26M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.