Marquette County Disaster Risk
Marquette County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
44th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marquette County, Wisconsin
Marquette County faces moderate risk
Marquette County's composite risk score of 47.58 sits below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, earning a "Relatively Low" national rating. The county maintains balanced exposure across hazard types without severe concentrations.
Below-average risk in Wisconsin
At 47.58, Marquette County ranks notably below the state average of 59.08, positioning it among Wisconsin's safer counties. This reflects the county's relatively moderate exposure to all major disaster hazards.
Safer than surrounding high-risk areas
Marquette County's 47.58 score compares favorably to nearby Marathon County (87.15) and outperforms most central Wisconsin peers. The county benefits from lower flood and tornado exposure than surrounding regions.
Tornadoes present the primary threat
Tornado risk reaches 52.93 in Marquette County, making it the leading hazard concern, followed by flood risk at 43.54 and wildfire risk at 36.74. Earthquake and hurricane risks remain minimal.
Standard coverage with wind protection
Marquette County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes wind and hail coverage to address tornado exposure, and consider flood insurance if in a mapped risk zone. The county's relatively moderate overall risk profile makes standard policies with these provisions effective.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marquette County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marquette County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 48th, Marquette County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. At the 48th percentile, Marquette County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Marquette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (37th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 53th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Marquette 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 44th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Marquette County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Marquette 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
Marquette County falls 11.5 points below Wisconsin's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Marquette County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marquette County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Marquette County?
How does Marquette County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Marquette County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Marquette 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.