Ashland County Disaster Risk
Ashland County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
32th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
28th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ashland County, Wisconsin
Ashland County sits in safest tier
Ashland County's composite risk score of 31.68 ranks it in the Very Low category—less than half the state average of 59.08 and well below national norms. This northern Wisconsin county enjoys one of the most favorable natural disaster risk profiles in the region.
Among Wisconsin's safest counties
Ashland County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Wisconsin, with a score of 31.68 that sits well below the state average of 59.08. Few Wisconsin counties face substantially less natural disaster exposure than Ashland.
Exceptionally safe for the region
Ashland County's 31.68 score ranks it safer than most neighboring counties, particularly compared to Adams County (70.90) and Barron County (68.64). Only Bayfield County (35.08) among its regional peers comes close to matching Ashland's favorable risk position.
Flooding poses the primary concern
Ashland County's flood risk of 28.24 represents its most significant natural disaster exposure, though even this remains well below state averages. Tornado, wildfire, and earthquake risks all score substantially lower, with minimal hurricane threat at 0.00.
Standard coverage meets protection needs
Ashland County residents can generally rely on standard homeowners insurance with modest flood protection considerations. The county's low overall risk profile means insurance needs are straightforward, though property owners in flood-prone areas should still verify their coverage limits.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ashland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ashland County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Ashland County ranks at the 32th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Residents of Ashland County can use the 32th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Ashland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 28th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 14th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (5th percentile), earthquake (0th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 28th percentile nationally for flood risk, Ashland County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 14th percentile nationally, means Ashland County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Ashland County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
At 27.4 points below the Wisconsin state average, Ashland County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Ashland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ashland County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Ashland County?
How does Ashland County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Ashland County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ashland County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.