riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Price County Disaster Risk

Price County, Wisconsin

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

32th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#64

of 72 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

39th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 2% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Price County, Wisconsin

Price County among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of just 32.32 and a Very Low rating, Price County ranks among the safest counties nationally for natural disaster exposure. This low-risk profile gives residents a significant advantage in terms of both disaster frequency and severity.

Wisconsin's least risky county

Price County's 32.32 score falls far below Wisconsin's 59.08 state average, making it the safest county in the state by this measure. Its position in northern Wisconsin contributes to lower exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and storms compared to the state's southern regions.

Safest among surrounding counties

Price County's very low risk of 32.32 significantly outpaces all nearby counties, including Rusk County (37.28) and Portage County (62.72). This makes Price County an exceptional refuge from natural disasters within its region.

Minimal but monitor flood risk

Price County's greatest hazard is modest flood risk at 38.68, with tornado (34.32) and wildfire (13.71) risks remaining very low. Even the county's highest-risk hazard ranks well below state and national averages, reflecting genuinely limited disaster exposure.

Standard insurance suffices here

Price County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Still, maintain basic emergency supplies and stay informed about severe weather—complacency, not risk, is the real danger in safe areas.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Price County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    39th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    34th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    14th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Price County

Risk Verdict

At the 32th percentile nationally, Price County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Price County's 32th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Price County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (14th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Price County sits at the 39th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 34th percentile nationally, means Price County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Regardless of specific hazard, Price County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.

Regional Context

A composite score 26.8 points below the Wisconsin state average puts Price County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.

Is your household prepared for Price County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Price County, WI?
Price County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 32th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Price County?
Price County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (39th percentile), tornado (34th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 39th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Price County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Price County's composite risk percentile is 32th, compared to the Wisconsin state average of 59th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Price County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Wisconsin.
Is Price County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Price County's flooding risk is at the 39th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Price County a safe place to live?
Price County's composite risk score of 32th percentile is below the Wisconsin state average of 59th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is flooding at the 39th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.