Ozaukee County Disaster Risk
Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
Ozaukee has below-average disaster risk
Ozaukee County's composite risk score of 50.32 sits below the national average, placing it firmly in the lower-risk category. The county offers one of Wisconsin's safer natural disaster profiles.
One of Wisconsin's safest counties
Ozaukee County's score of 50.32 is substantially below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk counties. This positioning reflects the county's relatively stable geography and distance from hazard hotspots.
Safest in the Milwaukee metro region
Ozaukee County's score of 50.32 is dramatically lower than neighboring Milwaukee County (98.38), making it a significantly safer alternative within the same metro area. The difference illustrates how localized risk factors can vary sharply across short distances.
Tornadoes and floods present modest risks
Tornado risk scores 59.29 and flood risk scores 58.33 in Ozaukee County, making these the primary but still modest natural disaster concerns. Earthquake risk of 26.37 is elevated relative to most Wisconsin counties but remains manageable.
Standard insurance with routine review
Ozaukee County residents benefit from relatively low risk and can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most hazards, though flood coverage should be considered for waterfront properties. Annual policy reviews ensure adequate wind and hail coverage for the modest tornado risk present.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ozaukee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ozaukee County
Risk Verdict
Ozaukee County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 50th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Ozaukee County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Ozaukee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (26th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile), hurricane (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 59th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Ozaukee County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Ozaukee County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary flood hazard at the 58th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Ozaukee County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Ozaukee County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Ozaukee County is 8.8 composite risk points below the Wisconsin state mean, meaning most other Wisconsin counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Ozaukee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ozaukee County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Ozaukee County?
How does Ozaukee County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Ozaukee County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ozaukee 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.