Douglas County Disaster Risk
Douglas County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
62th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% 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 Douglas County, Wisconsin
Douglas's risk slightly above state average
Douglas County scores 62.37, earning a Relatively Low rating while sitting modestly above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This places Douglas in the lower-middle range of national disaster risk exposure.
Below-average risk within Wisconsin
Douglas County ranks in the lower half of Wisconsin counties for natural disaster vulnerability, with a composite score of 62.37 that sits comfortably below the state's most vulnerable areas. Many Wisconsin counties face substantially higher overall disaster risk than Douglas.
Safer than inland counties, similar to peers
Douglas County (62.37) faces lower risk than Dodge County (69.91) and Chippewa County (67.33), though higher than Door County (46.88) and Crawford County (46.22). As a Lake Superior coastal county, Douglas's hazard profile differs from inland Wisconsin regions.
Flood and wildfire are primary concerns
Douglas's flood risk reaches 61.45 and wildfire risk stands at 39.22, making these the county's dominant natural hazards. Tornado risk (27.35) is substantially lower than most Wisconsin counties, while earthquake (2.54) and hurricane risks remain minimal.
Flood coverage should be priority
With flood risk at 61.45 and wildfire exposure at 39.22, Douglas residents should prioritize flood insurance and ensure comprehensive coverage in their homeowners policy. Standard policies exclude flood damage, so a separate flood rider is essential for this Lake Superior region location.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Douglas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Douglas County
Risk Verdict
Douglas County's FEMA risk score places it at the 62th 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 Douglas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (27th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 61th percentile nationally for flood risk, Douglas 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. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 39th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Douglas 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
Douglas County sits within 3.3 composite points of the Wisconsin state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Douglas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Douglas County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Douglas County?
How does Douglas County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Douglas County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Douglas 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.