Florence County Disaster Risk
Florence County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Florence County, Wisconsin
Florence County's minimal hazard profile
Florence County scores just 54.20 on the national composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and among the nation's safest communities. This county experiences very low exposure to most major natural disaster types.
Wisconsin's lowest-risk counties
At 54.20, Florence County sits substantially below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it one of the safest counties in the state for natural disasters. Few Wisconsin counties offer comparable low-risk profiles.
Region's most secure location
Florence County's 54.20 score is the lowest in its region, significantly safer than Forest County (47.39) represents a neighboring safer area, but Florence itself remains exceptionally protected from natural hazards. Its remarkably low risk across all hazard categories makes it stand out regionally.
Minimal overall hazard exposure
Even Florence County's highest risk—tornado at 11.01—remains far below state and national averages, indicating very low severe weather exposure. All other hazards score in single digits, with flooding at 10.97, wildfire at 8.62, and earthquake virtually absent at 0.48.
Maintain standard coverage
While Florence County's exceptionally low risk profile means comprehensive disaster coverage may be less urgent, standard homeowners insurance remains prudent for basic protection. Annual policy reviews ensure adequate coverage for the rare severe weather events that do occur.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Florence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Florence County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Florence County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 54th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Florence County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Florence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 11th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 11th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (9th percentile), earthquake (0th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 11th percentile nationally, Florence County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Flood is the second hazard driver for Florence County at the 11th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Florence County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Florence County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Wisconsin county average, with a 4.9-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Florence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Florence County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Florence County?
How does Florence County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Florence County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Florence 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.