Lafayette County Disaster Risk
Lafayette County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#62
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Lafayette County faces very low disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 33.14, Lafayette County sits well below the national average and carries a "Very Low" rating for natural disaster threats. This score reflects relatively modest exposure across most hazard types, positioning the county as one of Wisconsin's safer regions for weather-related disasters.
Among Wisconsin's safest counties
Lafayette County's score of 33.14 ranks it significantly below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the lower tier of risk statewide. Only a handful of Wisconsin counties face comparably low composite disaster risk.
Safer than surrounding counties
Lafayette County's risk profile stands out favorably against nearby counties like Marquette (47.58) and Dane County. Its Very Low rating reflects stable conditions across flood, wildfire, and earthquake risks that exceed those in many neighboring regions.
Tornado risk tops the list here
Tornadoes present Lafayette County's most significant hazard, with a risk score of 44.56—notably higher than the county's overall profile. Flooding and wildfire risks remain modest at 27.26 and 14.73 respectively, posing minimal concern for most residents.
Standard coverage meets your needs
While tornado risk warrants attention, Lafayette County residents benefit from the county's overall low hazard exposure. Maintaining standard homeowners insurance with adequate coverage for wind and hail damage provides solid protection in this relatively low-risk environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lafayette County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lafayette County
Risk Verdict
Lafayette County's overall natural disaster score at the 33th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A 33th percentile score positions Lafayette County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lafayette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 27th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (21th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 45th percentile nationally, Lafayette 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 27th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Lafayette County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Lafayette 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
Lafayette County's composite risk score sits 25.9 points below the Wisconsin county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Lafayette County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lafayette County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Lafayette County?
How does Lafayette County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Lafayette County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lafayette 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.