Pierce County Disaster Risk
Pierce County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#58
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pierce County, Wisconsin
Pierce County faces low disaster risk
Pierce County's composite risk score of 42.33 sits below the national average, placing it in the lower-risk category overall. The county's "Very Low" rating reflects Wisconsin's generally favorable natural disaster environment.
Among Wisconsin's safest counties
Pierce County's score of 42.33 ranks it well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it among the state's lowest-risk communities. Only Pepin County (7.19) significantly outperforms Pierce on safety.
Safer than most regional peers
Pierce County's score of 42.33 is substantially lower than Monroe County (78.85) and Outagamie County (79.68), reflecting its distance from Wisconsin's tornado hotspots. The county benefits from a safer geographic position in west-central Wisconsin.
Tornado risk is primary concern
Tornado risk reaches 73.41 in Pierce County, making it the dominant natural hazard despite the county's overall low composite score. Flood risk of 48.70 presents a secondary but manageable threat, while wildfire and earthquake risks remain minimal.
Standard coverage with tornado awareness
Pierce County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and develop a basic tornado safety plan given the 73.41 tornado score. Limited hurricane data is available for this county, but standard wind coverage within homeowners policies addresses the county's low coastal-weather exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pierce County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pierce County
Risk Verdict
Pierce County's overall natural disaster score at the 42th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Even at the 42th percentile, Pierce County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Pierce County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (18th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 73th percentile nationally, Pierce 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. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 49th percentile nationally means Pierce County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Pierce 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
Pierce County's composite risk score sits 16.7 points below the Wisconsin county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Pierce County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pierce County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Pierce County?
How does Pierce County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Pierce County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pierce 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.