Racine County Disaster Risk
Racine County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
85th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
86th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Racine County, Wisconsin
Racine County faces above-average risk
Racine County's composite risk score of 85.43 and Relatively Moderate rating place it well above the national average, signaling genuine elevated exposure to multiple hazards. This southeastern Wisconsin county ranks among the nation's more vulnerable regions for natural disaster risk.
Highest-risk county in Wisconsin
At 85.43, Racine County significantly exceeds Wisconsin's 59.08 state average and ranks as the state's most hazard-exposed county by a substantial margin. Its position on Lake Michigan and in southern Wisconsin's severe weather corridor drives this elevated profile.
Riskier than all surrounding counties
Racine County's score of 85.43 dramatically exceeds neighboring Rock County (86.36)—actually tied as the state's two riskiest counties. Both far outpace safer inland counties like Richland (51.56), underscoring the heightened vulnerability of southern Wisconsin's urbanized lakeshore corridor.
Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes loom
Racine County faces severe tornado risk (93.07), exceptional flood risk (85.66), and surprisingly significant earthquake risk (61.39)—the latter driven by proximity to seismic zones. These three hazards combined create a complex, multi-faceted threat landscape requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Layered insurance essential for safety
Racine County residents must secure robust flood insurance, reinforce homes against tornadoes, and consider earthquake coverage—a rare necessity in Wisconsin. Work with an insurance agent to build a multi-hazard protection plan and establish a detailed home inventory for damage claims.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Racine County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Racine County
Risk Verdict
At the 85th percentile nationally, Racine County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Racine County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Racine County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (61th percentile), wildfire (30th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 93th percentile nationally makes Racine County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary flood hazard at the 86th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Racine County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Racine County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Wisconsin county average is 26.4 composite points below Racine County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Racine County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Racine County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Racine County?
How does Racine County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Racine County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Racine 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.