Pepin County Disaster Risk
Pepin County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#72
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pepin County, Wisconsin
Pepin County has minimal disaster risk
Pepin County's composite risk score of 7.19 is extraordinarily low—far below the national average—placing it among America's safest counties from natural disaster threats. This "Very Low" rating reflects exceptional stability across all major hazard categories.
Wisconsin's safest county
Pepin County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Wisconsin with a score of 7.19, dramatically below the state average of 59.08. No other Wisconsin county comes close to this level of safety across natural disaster types.
Exceptionally safe compared to peers
Pepin County's score of 7.19 is far lower than Pierce County (42.33) and any other neighboring communities, making it an outlier in its region. The county's remote location and small population contribute to minimal exposure to cascading disaster effects.
Tornado risk is the only meaningful threat
Tornado risk scores 30.95 in Pepin County, the only hazard type reaching even moderate levels; all other risks score below 20. Flood risk of 16.22 is the second-highest but still minimal compared to most Wisconsin counties.
Standard insurance provides ample protection
Pepin County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance given the county's minimal disaster risk profile. A simple tornado safety plan and weather alert subscription provide all the additional preparedness most households in this exceptionally safe county require.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pepin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pepin County
Risk Verdict
Pepin County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 7th percentile nationally. The 7th percentile national ranking is one lens; Pepin County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Pepin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 31th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 16th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (2th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 31th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Pepin 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. Flood is the second hazard driver for Pepin County at the 16th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Pepin 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
Pepin County falls 51.9 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 Pepin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pepin County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Pepin County?
How does Pepin County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Pepin County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pepin 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.