Buffalo County Disaster Risk
Buffalo County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#69
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Buffalo County, Wisconsin
Buffalo County ranks safest statewide
Buffalo County scores just 14.54 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and among the safest counties nationally. This southwestern Wisconsin county benefits from exceptionally favorable natural disaster exposure compared to state and national averages.
Wisconsin's lowest-risk county
Buffalo County ranks as the safest county in Wisconsin with a composite score of 14.54, well below the state average of 59.08. Few counties anywhere in the nation face such minimal natural disaster exposure.
Exceptionally protected by geography
Buffalo County's 14.54 score stands dramatically below neighboring Adams County (70.90) and Barron County (68.64), reflecting its favorable positioning along the Mississippi River valley. Among all measured counties, Buffalo ranks among the very safest.
Tornado risk is only real concern
Buffalo County's tornado risk of 36.39 represents its primary natural disaster exposure, though even this remains moderate compared to other Wisconsin counties. Flood risk (24.62) presents secondary concerns, while wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane threats remain negligible.
Minimal insurance complexity needed
Buffalo County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection given the county's remarkably low overall risk profile. Properties in mapped floodplains should carry flood insurance as a precaution, but the vast majority of Buffalo County faces minimal catastrophic natural disaster risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Buffalo County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Buffalo County
Risk Verdict
Buffalo County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 15th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 15th percentile national ranking is one lens; Buffalo County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Buffalo County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (4th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Buffalo County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 36th percentile nationally. In Buffalo County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary flood hazard at the 25th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Buffalo County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Buffalo County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Buffalo County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Wisconsin county average, Buffalo County's composite score runs 44.5 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Buffalo County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Buffalo County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Buffalo County?
How does Buffalo County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Buffalo County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Buffalo 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.