La Crosse County Disaster Risk
La Crosse County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% 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 23% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in La Crosse County, Wisconsin
La Crosse County: Above-Average U.S. Risk
La Crosse County scores 80.53 on the composite risk index, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding most American counties. The county faces elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical U.S. peers.
Among Wisconsin's Highest-Risk Counties
La Crosse County's score of 80.53 exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 by about 36%, ranking it among the state's riskiest counties. Only Kenosha County faces higher composite risk in Wisconsin.
Riskier Than Most South-Central Neighbors
La Crosse County (80.53) significantly exceeds Jackson County (48.06) and Iowa County (23.38) to the east. The county faces greater hazard exposure than most of its regional peers.
Tornadoes and Floods Dominate Hazards
La Crosse County's tornado risk of 84.57 is its highest threat, with flood risk at 74.05 as a close second. Earthquake risk (22.77) and wildfire risk (11.83) present secondary concerns; hurricane risk remains minimal.
Prioritize Flood and Tornado Insurance
La Crosse County residents must secure separate flood insurance, especially in the county's river valleys and low-lying areas. Develop a comprehensive tornado safety plan and ensure your homeowners policy provides excellent wind and hail coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in La Crosse County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: La Crosse County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 81th, La Crosse County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; La Crosse County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is La Crosse County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (23th percentile), wildfire (12th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 85th percentile nationally for tornado risk, La Crosse County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 74th percentile nationally means La Crosse County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For La Crosse County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 21.5 points above the Wisconsin state average, La Crosse County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Wisconsin county.
Is your household prepared for La Crosse County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in La Crosse County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect La Crosse County?
How does La Crosse County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is La Crosse County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is La Crosse 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.