Washburn County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 33th
Washburn County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 32.8, 33th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Washburn County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 32.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 33rd national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Washburn County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 9.58 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $499K in expected annual loss and about 31.80 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $260K in expected annual loss and about 2.31 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Washburn County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Washburn County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Washburn County ranks #63 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 9.58 / yr | $5M |
| Lightning | Medium | 31.80 / yr | $499K |
| Hail | Low | 2.31 / yr | $260K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $25K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.23 / yr | $678K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.42 / yr | $153K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $4M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 18.21 / yr | $33K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.74 / yr | $284K |
| Drought | Very Low | 5.95 / yr | $20K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $21K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.31 / yr | $89 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1K |
| 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
Washburn County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Tornado (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| May 2001 | Flood | Flooding, Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| June 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| October 1977 | Severe Storm | Winds, Hail & Rain |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
| April 1965 | Tornado | Tornadoes, Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Washburn County?
Washburn County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 32.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 33th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Washburn County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $499K EAL), Hail (Low, $260K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Washburn County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Washburn County ranks #63 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Washburn County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Washburn County since 1965, most often 3 for severe storm 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. Washburn County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.