Chippewa County Disaster Risk
Chippewa County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chippewa County, Wisconsin
Chippewa's risk sits above average
Chippewa County scores 67.33 on the national composite risk scale, rating it as Relatively Low but above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This means Chippewa faces somewhat elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical Wisconsin counties, though it remains below the highest-risk counties nationally.
Middle of the pack in Wisconsin
Among Wisconsin's 72 counties, Chippewa ranks in the middle range for overall natural disaster risk. The county's 67.33 score places it well above the lowest-risk Wisconsin counties but comfortably below the state's most vulnerable areas.
Riskier than Clark, safer than Dodge
Compared to nearby counties, Chippewa (67.33) sits between Clark County (68.45) and Dodge County (69.91) in risk exposure. All three are relatively similar in vulnerability, though each faces distinct hazard patterns across flooding, tornadoes, and other threats.
Tornadoes and flooding are primary concerns
Chippewa's tornado risk scores 70.90 and flood risk reaches 71.02, making these the county's dominant natural hazards. Wildfire risk remains low at 20.04, while earthquake (10.27) and hurricane (0.00) threats are minimal for this north-central Wisconsin location.
Flood and storm coverage matter most
With tornado and flood risks both exceeding 70, Chippewa residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with windstorm and flood endorsements. Review your coverage now—standard homeowners policies often exclude flood damage, leaving gaps that separate insurance during a disaster.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chippewa County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chippewa County
Risk Verdict
Chippewa County's FEMA risk score places it at the 67th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Chippewa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (20th percentile), earthquake (10th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 71th percentile nationally for flood risk, Chippewa 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. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 71th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Chippewa 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
The Wisconsin county average is 8.3 composite points below Chippewa County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Chippewa County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chippewa County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Chippewa County?
How does Chippewa County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Chippewa County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Chippewa 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.