riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Dodge County Disaster Risk

Dodge County, Wisconsin

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

70th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#26

of 72 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

68th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 85% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 37% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 18% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Dodge County, Wisconsin

Dodge's risk exceeds state baseline

Dodge County scores 69.91, rating it as Relatively Low but exceeding Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This positions Dodge in the moderately exposed category relative to national disaster risk patterns.

Above-average risk among Wisconsin peers

Dodge County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Wisconsin counties for natural disaster vulnerability, with a composite score of 69.91 that exceeds most statewide counterparts. Few Wisconsin counties face meaningfully higher overall risk than Dodge.

Riskier than Clark and Chippewa

Dodge County (69.91) surpasses nearby Chippewa County (67.33) and Clark County (68.45) in overall disaster risk, though all three face similar tornado and flood vulnerabilities. Dodge distinguishes itself through elevated wildfire (47.58) and earthquake (36.90) exposure.

Tornadoes emerge as primary threat

Dodge's tornado risk peaks at 85.34, making it the county's dominant natural hazard and notably higher than neighbors. Flood risk reaches 68.00, while wildfire (47.58) and earthquake (36.90) risks significantly exceed state averages, creating a multi-faceted threat profile.

Windstorm coverage especially critical

With tornado risk exceeding 85, Dodge residents must ensure comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage is included in their homeowners insurance. Add flood coverage as well, and consider earthquake insurance given the county's 36.90 earthquake risk score—well above state norms.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Dodge County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    85th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    68th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    48th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Dodge County

Risk Verdict

Dodge County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Dodge County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Dodge County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (48th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), hurricane (18th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Dodge County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 85th percentile nationally. For Dodge County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 68th percentile nationally means Dodge County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Dodge County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

Dodge County's composite risk score sits 10.8 points above the Wisconsin county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Dodge County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Dodge County, WI?
Dodge County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Dodge County?
Dodge County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (85th percentile), flooding (68th percentile), wildfire (48th percentile), earthquake (37th percentile), hurricane (18th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 85th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Dodge County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Dodge County's composite risk percentile is 70th, compared to the Wisconsin state average of 59th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Dodge County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Wisconsin.
Is Dodge County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Dodge County's tornado risk is at the 85th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Dodge County is at the 68th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Dodge County higher risk than average?
Dodge County's composite risk score of 70th percentile is above the Wisconsin state average of 59th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (85th percentile), along with flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.