Waupaca County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 68th
Waupaca County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 67.6, 68th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $24M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Waupaca County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 67.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 68th 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 Waupaca County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 6.58 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 2.53 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $633K in expected annual loss and about 32.15 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $24M in expected annual loss for a population of 52K.
Beyond physical exposure, Waupaca County has a medium 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Waupaca County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 4 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 72 Wisconsin counties, Waupaca County ranks #31 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 6.58 / yr | $7M |
| Hail | Medium | 2.53 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Medium | 32.15 / yr | $633K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.42 / yr | $3M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.36 / yr | $10M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.68 / yr | $776K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $3K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 15.79 / yr | $83K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.53 / yr | $414K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.23 / yr | $53K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $25K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $24K |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.39 / 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
Waupaca County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (4), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| May 2001 | Flood | Flooding, Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Waupaca County?
Waupaca County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 67.6 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 68th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Waupaca County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $7M EAL), Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $633K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Waupaca County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Waupaca County ranks #31 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Waupaca County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Waupaca County since 1973, most often 4 for flood events and 2 for biological 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. Waupaca County's $24M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.