Bayfield County Disaster Risk
Bayfield County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
35th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% 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 Bayfield County, Wisconsin
Bayfield County remains very safe
Bayfield County scores 35.08 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the Very Low category and well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This Lake Superior-adjacent county enjoys substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.
Among safest Wisconsin counties
Bayfield County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Wisconsin, with a score of 35.08 that sits comfortably below the state average of 59.08. Only a few Wisconsin counties demonstrate comparably favorable natural disaster risk profiles.
Safer than most regional peers
Bayfield County's 35.08 score ranks it safer than neighboring Adams (70.90) and Barron (68.64), though slightly higher risk than Ashland County (31.68). Among its Lake Superior region peers, Bayfield maintains one of the more protective geographic positions.
Flooding remains minimal concern
Bayfield County's flood risk of 33.46 represents its highest natural disaster exposure, though even this remains moderate compared to state averages. Tornado, wildfire, and earthquake risks all score in the low range, with zero hurricane threat.
Basic homeowners insurance suffices
Bayfield County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most property protection needs given the county's low overall risk profile. Those in mapped floodplains should still carry flood insurance, but the vast majority of properties face minimal catastrophic risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bayfield County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bayfield County
Risk Verdict
Bayfield County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 35th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 35th percentile nationally is an advantage for Bayfield County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Bayfield County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 33th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (16th percentile), earthquake (0th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 33th percentile nationally, Bayfield County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 17th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Bayfield County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
Bayfield County falls 24.0 points below Wisconsin's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Bayfield County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bayfield County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Bayfield County?
How does Bayfield County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Bayfield County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Bayfield 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.