Portage County Disaster Risk
Portage County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Portage County, Wisconsin
Portage County's risk slightly outpaces nation
Portage County's composite risk score of 62.72 and Relatively Low rating indicate risk just above national norms across all hazard types. While not among America's highest-risk counties, residents should maintain standard natural disaster preparedness measures.
Slightly above Wisconsin's midline
At 62.72, Portage County ranks above Wisconsin's 59.08 state average but falls comfortably in the lower-to-middle risk tier across the state. This reflects Wisconsin's generally moderate natural hazard profile relative to more vulnerable regions nationwide.
Lower risk than nearby Polk County
Portage County's score of 62.72 sits slightly below neighboring Polk County's 63.30, making them quite similar in overall exposure. Both counties face comparable tornado threats, though Portage experiences notably higher flood risk (66.79 vs. 55.18), reflecting its position in a wetter region.
Floods and tornadoes are primary concerns
Tornado risk at 70.20 and flood risk at 66.79 dominate Portage County's hazard profile, while wildfire risk is relatively low at 32.35. The combination of frequent severe thunderstorms and water damage exposure means dual preparedness is essential here.
Prioritize flood and wind protection
Portage County residents should invest in flood insurance immediately—especially those in low-lying areas or near rivers—since standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. Reinforced roof anchoring and impact-resistant windows can reduce tornado damage; schedule an inspection to assess your home's storm resilience.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Portage County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Portage County
Risk Verdict
Portage County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Portage County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Portage County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (32th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Portage County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 70th percentile nationally. For Portage County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Flood is the second hazard driver for Portage County at the 67th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Portage County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
At just 3.6 composite points from the Wisconsin average, Portage County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Portage County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Portage County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Portage County?
How does Portage County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Portage County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Portage 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.