Iron County Disaster Risk
Iron County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#70
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% 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 Iron County, Wisconsin
Iron County: Exceptionally Low National Risk
Iron County's composite risk score of 11.48 ranks among the lowest in the nation, earning a Very Low rating. The county experiences far less natural disaster exposure than the typical American county.
Wisconsin's Safest County
Iron County's score of 11.48 is less than one-fifth of Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it the state's lowest-risk county. No other Wisconsin county comes close to this level of safety across all major disaster types.
Clear Leader in Regional Safety
Iron County's 11.48 score is dramatically lower than neighboring Ashland County and other regional peers. The county's isolation in northern Wisconsin, combined with its geography, creates a uniquely protected environment.
Flood Risk Leads, But Remains Minimal
Iron County's highest risk is flooding at 21.80, with tornado risk at 12.25 as a secondary concern. Earthquake (0.35), wildfire (7.41), and hurricane (0.00) risks are negligible.
Basic Coverage Protects Iron County Homes
Iron County residents benefit from exceptionally low disaster exposure and can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most protection. Maintaining good drainage around your property addresses the county's primary flood risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Iron County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Iron County
Risk Verdict
Iron County's overall natural disaster score at the 11th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. The 11th percentile national ranking is one lens; Iron County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Iron County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 22th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 12th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (7th percentile), earthquake (0th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Iron County's top hazard at the 22th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 12th percentile nationally, means Iron County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Households across Iron County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Iron County's composite risk score sits 47.6 points below the Wisconsin county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Iron County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Iron County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Iron County?
How does Iron County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Iron County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Iron 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.