riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Marinette County Disaster Risk

Marinette County, Wisconsin

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

80th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#12

of 72 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

73th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 73% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Marinette County, Wisconsin

Marinette County faces above-average risk

Marinette County's composite risk score of 80.03 exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 while maintaining a "Relatively Low" national rating. The elevation reflects significant flood vulnerability and elevated wildfire exposure compared to most Wisconsin counties.

Among Wisconsin's higher-risk counties

At 80.03, Marinette County ranks well above the state average of 59.08, placing it in the upper tier of Wisconsin's hazard-exposed counties. Only Marathon and a few others face comparably elevated composite risk statewide.

Elevated risk in northeastern Wisconsin

Marinette County's 80.03 score outranks most neighboring counties in the northeast, though Marathon County (87.15) edges higher. Its dual exposure to flooding and wildfire is particularly acute compared to inland peers like Langlade County (49.55).

Flooding and wildfires lead threats

Flood risk of 72.71 dominates Marinette County's hazard profile, reflecting vulnerability to both riverine and regional precipitation events. Wildfire risk of 46.72 ranks second—the highest wildfire exposure in this county group—while tornado risk of 49.05 presents a third significant concern.

Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage

Marinette County residents should secure flood insurance and verify homeowners policies include wildfire/brush coverage appropriate to their property's wildland proximity. The county's exceptional flood exposure makes flood insurance particularly critical for protection.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Marinette County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    73th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    49th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    47th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Marinette County

Risk Verdict

Marinette County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 80th percentile across all U.S. counties. Marinette County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Marinette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (47th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 73th percentile nationally, Marinette County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 49th percentile nationally, means Marinette County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Marinette County households.

Regional Context

A composite score 20.9 points above the Wisconsin state average puts Marinette County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Marinette County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Marinette County, WI?
Marinette County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 80th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Marinette County?
Marinette County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (73th percentile), tornado (49th percentile), wildfire (47th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 73th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Marinette County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Marinette County's composite risk percentile is 80th, compared to the Wisconsin state average of 59th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Marinette County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Wisconsin.
Is Marinette County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Marinette County's flooding risk is at the 73th percentile nationally. This is above the national median.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Marinette County higher risk than average?
Marinette County's composite risk score of 80th percentile is above the Wisconsin state average of 59th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by flooding exposure (73th percentile). Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.