Polk County Disaster Risk
Polk County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
55th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Polk County, Wisconsin
Polk County's risk sits just above national norms
With a composite risk score of 63.30 and a Relatively Low rating, Polk County faces natural disaster risk slightly higher than the national average. This means residents should stay prepared, but the county isn't among the nation's highest-risk areas.
Mid-range risk within Wisconsin
Polk County's score of 63.30 ranks it above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the middle tier of risk across the state's 72 counties. This above-average standing reflects moderately active severe weather patterns compared to safer Wisconsin counties.
Riskier than neighbors to the north
Polk County faces notably higher risk (63.30) than Price County to the south (32.32) and Rusk County to the east (37.28), both of which are among Wisconsin's safest. However, it's less exposed than Sauk County to the southeast (72.11), which faces more acute flood and tornado threats.
Tornadoes and floods dominate here
Tornados pose the greatest hazard with a risk score of 76.49, making them significantly more likely than the county's flood risk of 55.18. Wildfire risk remains relatively modest at 41.67, so most emergency preparedness should focus on severe thunderstorm and tornado safety.
Bundle coverage for wind and water
Given Polk County's tornado and flood exposure, homeowners should ensure wind coverage is robust and consider separate flood insurance, since standard policies don't cover water damage. Review your policy annually and keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for power outages following severe storms.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Polk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Polk County
Risk Verdict
At the 63th percentile nationally, Polk County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Polk County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Polk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (42th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Polk County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 76th percentile nationally. In Polk County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary flood hazard at the 55th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Polk County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Polk County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Polk County households.
Regional Context
At 4.2 points from the Wisconsin county mean, Polk County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Polk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Polk County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Polk County?
How does Polk County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Polk County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Polk 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.