Brown County Disaster Risk
Brown County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brown County, Wisconsin
Brown County faces highest state risk
Brown County scores 90.04 on the composite risk scale, ranking it in the Relatively Moderate category and far above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This Green Bay–area county faces the most comprehensive natural disaster exposure of any Wisconsin county measured.
Wisconsin's riskiest county by far
Brown County ranks as the highest-risk county in Wisconsin with a composite score of 90.04, dramatically exceeding the state average of 59.08. No other Wisconsin county faces comparable multi-hazard exposure.
Significantly riskier than surrounding areas
Brown County's 90.04 score far exceeds neighboring Calumet County (30.18) and most other regional peers, reflecting its unique geographic and demographic vulnerabilities. This stark difference highlights Brown County's exceptional risk profile within eastern Wisconsin.
Tornadoes and floods dominate threats
Brown County faces exceptional tornado risk at 93.42 and extreme flood risk at 91.86—among the highest in the nation for both hazards. Earthquake risk (35.34) and hurricane risk (26.12) add secondary but notable threats across the county.
Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable
Brown County residents must carry robust homeowners insurance with explicit tornado and flood coverage, plus consider a separate flood insurance policy through the NFIP. Given the county's multifaceted risk exposure, consulting with an insurance professional about earthquake and hurricane coverage is also prudent.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brown County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brown County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Brown County at the 90th percentile nationally — above average and worth proactive preparation. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Brown County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (35th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 93th percentile nationally, Brown County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 92th percentile nationally means Brown County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Brown County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Brown County is 31.0 composite risk points above the Wisconsin average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Brown County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brown County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Brown County?
How does Brown County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Brown County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Brown County higher risk than average?
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.