Vilas County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 63th
Vilas County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 63.3, 63th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $19M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Vilas County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 63.3 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $9M in expected annual loss and about 9.16 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 1.23 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $154K in expected annual loss and about 21.84 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $19M in expected annual loss for a population of 23K.
Beyond physical exposure, Vilas 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.
History supports the rating: Vilas County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Vilas County ranks #35 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 9.16 / yr | $9M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 1.23 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 21.84 / yr | $154K |
| Lightning | Medium | 26.91 / yr | $344K |
| Hail | Low | 1.33 / yr | $322K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.25 / yr | $7M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.20 / yr | $54K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.16 / yr | $391K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.35 / yr | $119 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $7K |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.14 / yr | $3K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $22K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Vilas County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| August 1999 | Flood | Wi-Flood-07/20/99 |
| July 1984 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Vilas County?
Vilas County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 63.3 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 Vilas County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $9M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $154K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Vilas County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Vilas County ranks #35 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Vilas County had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Vilas County since 1976, most often 2 for biological events and 2 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. Vilas County's $19M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.