Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
79th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, Wisconsin
Jefferson County: Above-Average U.S. Risk
Jefferson County scores 75.80 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Relatively Low category but above many national peers. The county faces elevated exposure to multiple hazard types compared to typical U.S. counties.
Higher Risk Than Most Wisconsin Counties
Jefferson County's score of 75.80 significantly exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, ranking it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county faces substantially greater natural disaster exposure than most of its neighbors.
Kenosha and La Crosse Show Even Higher Risk
Jefferson County (75.80) ranks lower than neighboring Kenosha County (84.96) and La Crosse County (80.53). However, it faces noticeably higher risk than most other south-central Wisconsin counties.
Tornadoes, Floods, and Earthquakes Loom
Jefferson County's tornado risk of 86.13 is its most severe threat, followed by flood risk at 79.48. Earthquake risk (43.42) and wildfire risk (39.92) also present meaningful concerns for residents.
Multiple Protections Required for Jefferson
Jefferson County residents should prioritize flood insurance and a comprehensive tornado safety plan, given the county's elevated risk on both fronts. Review your homeowners policy to ensure adequate wind coverage, and consider additional earthquake insurance if you own valuable property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
Jefferson County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), wildfire (40th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Jefferson County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 86th percentile nationally. For Jefferson 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. Flood is the second hazard driver for Jefferson County at the 79th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Jefferson County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Jefferson County's composite risk score sits 16.7 points above the Wisconsin county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Jefferson County?
How does Jefferson County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Jefferson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Jefferson 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.