Waushara County, Wisconsin Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · WI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 43th
Waushara County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 43.3, 43th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Waushara County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 43.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 43rd 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.
Risk here concentrates in hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.86 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 6.53 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $773K in expected annual loss and about 2.99 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, Waushara County has a low 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: Waushara County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1973, 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, Waushara County ranks #57 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 2.86 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 6.53 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.99 / yr | $773K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.38 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $2K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $53K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $6M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.68 / yr | $291K |
| Drought | Low | 1.80 / yr | $91K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 15.42 / yr | $36K |
| Lightning | Low | 33.79 / yr | $104K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $23K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| 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
Waushara County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2002 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2001 | Flood | Flooding, Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| July 1993 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| September 1992 | Tornado | Severe Storms & Tornadoes |
| June 1976 | Drought | Drought |
| April 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Waushara County?
Waushara County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 43.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 43th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Waushara County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $773K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Waushara County compare to other Wisconsin counties?
Waushara County ranks #57 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Waushara County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Waushara County since 1973, 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. Waushara County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.