Burnett County Disaster Risk
Burnett County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
55th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Burnett County, Wisconsin
Burnett County moderately below state risk
Burnett County scores 49.33 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This northwestern Wisconsin county experiences less natural disaster exposure than most peers, though some hazards warrant attention.
Lower-middle risk among state counties
Burnett County's 49.33 score ranks it in the lower half of Wisconsin's risk distribution, comfortably below the state average of 59.08. The county benefits from a less hazardous profile than many Wisconsin counterparts.
Safer than Adams, riskier than Ashland
Burnett County's 49.33 score ranks it below neighboring Adams County (70.90) and Barron County (68.64), but above Ashland County (31.68). Its risk profile places it in the moderate tier of northwestern Wisconsin counties.
Wildfire emerges as unique threat
Burnett County's wildfire risk of 68.77 ranks exceptionally high—among Wisconsin's most fire-prone areas—paired with moderate flood risk of 55.47. Tornado risk (46.69) adds secondary exposure, while earthquake and hurricane threats remain minimal.
Prioritize wildfire and flood coverage
Burnett County residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage and consider additional coverage for areas near forests or grasslands prone to seasonal fire. Flood insurance through the NFIP should also be evaluated, particularly for properties in mapped floodplains or low-lying areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Burnett County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Burnett County
Risk Verdict
Burnett County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Even at the 49th percentile, Burnett County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Burnett County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (47th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Burnett County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 69th percentile nationally. Burnett County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary flood exposure at the 55th percentile nationally means Burnett County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Burnett County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Wisconsin county average exceeds Burnett County's score by 9.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Burnett County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Burnett County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Burnett County?
How does Burnett County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Burnett 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.