Milwaukee County Disaster Risk
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
98th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#1
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
97th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Milwaukee faces relatively high disaster risk
Milwaukee County's composite risk score of 98.38 places it well above the national average, reflecting genuine exposure to multiple hazard types. This rating signals that residents should take natural disaster preparedness seriously, particularly for the dominant threats in the region.
Highest-risk county in Wisconsin
Milwaukee County ranks as the riskiest in Wisconsin with a score of 98.38—far exceeding the state average of 59.08. This distinction reflects the county's large urban population and proximity to Lake Michigan, both factors that amplify exposure to flooding and severe weather.
Significantly riskier than nearby counties
Milwaukee's risk score of 98.38 towers over its neighbors: Ozaukee County scores 50.32 and Outagamie County scores 79.68. The Milwaukee urban corridor faces unique vulnerabilities that set it apart from the surrounding rural and suburban communities.
Tornadoes and flooding lead threats
Tornado risk reaches 98.95 in Milwaukee County—nearly the highest possible score—while flood risk sits at 97.04, both driven by the county's location in Tornado Alley and proximity to the Great Lakes. Earthquake risk of 80.76 is also notably elevated compared to most Wisconsin counties, making structural resilience important.
Comprehensive coverage is essential
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover tornado or flood damage, so Milwaukee residents should secure both separate flood insurance and verify their wind coverage. With tornado risk exceeding 98, reinforcing safe rooms and staying alert to warnings can mean the difference between property loss and safety.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Milwaukee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Milwaukee County
Risk Verdict
FEMA's National Risk Index places Milwaukee County at the 98th percentile nationally — in the high-risk bracket for U.S. counties. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Milwaukee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (81th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 99th percentile nationally, Milwaukee 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. Flood is the second hazard driver for Milwaukee County at the 97th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee County is 39.3 composite risk points above the Wisconsin average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Milwaukee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Milwaukee County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Milwaukee County?
How does Milwaukee County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Milwaukee County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Milwaukee 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.