Winnebago County

Wisconsin — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Medium

Composite Risk Score

86.8

National percentile: 87th

Winnebago County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 86.8, 87th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $75M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $75M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Low Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Very High Capacity to recover
Population 172K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Cold Wave
High $14M/yr
Strong Wind
High $3M/yr
Hail
Medium $3M/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Cold Wave High 5.74 / yr $14M
Strong Wind High 2.96 / yr $3M
Hail Medium 2.78 / yr $3M
Tornado High 0.34 / yr $9M
Riverine Flood Medium 0.57 / yr $43M
Lightning High 34.17 / yr $989K
Winter Weather Medium 15.63 / yr $218K
Heat Wave Low 1.63 / yr $1M
Ice Storm Low 0.27 / yr $99K
Wildfire Very Low 0.00 / yr $31K
Earthquake Very Low 0.00 / yr $116K
Drought Very Low 0.69 / yr $18K
Landslide Very Low 0.05 / yr $157
Hurricane Very Low 0.01 / yr $5K
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Winnebago County?

Winnebago County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 86.8 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 87th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Winnebago County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $14M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $3M EAL), Hail (Medium, $3M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Winnebago County compare to other Wisconsin counties?

Winnebago County ranks #6 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.

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. Winnebago County's $75M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.