Richland County Disaster Risk
Richland County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Richland County, Wisconsin
Richland County below national risk average
With a composite risk score of 51.56 and a Relatively Low rating, Richland County sits comfortably below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This southwestern Wisconsin county enjoys meaningful protection from the most severe hazard scenarios.
Safer than Wisconsin overall
Richland County's 51.56 score sits well below Wisconsin's 59.08 state average, placing it in the safer half of the state's counties. Its inland location and distance from Lake Michigan contribute to reduced flood and hurricane exposure compared to eastern regions.
Safer than Sauk, riskier than Price
Richland County's score of 51.56 places it between safer Price County (32.32) to the north and riskier Sauk County (72.11) to the east. Its position in a transitional zone between Wisconsin's safest and more exposed regions is reflected in moderate-but-manageable risk levels.
Floods pose the primary hazard
Flood risk dominates Richland County at 62.95, while tornado risk is moderate at 50.99 and wildfire risk remains low at 14.82. The county's hilly terrain and river systems create localized flood exposure that deserves specific attention.
Flood insurance and storm prep matter
Richland County residents, particularly those near rivers and low-lying areas, should secure flood insurance as a priority—standard policies exclude water damage. Maintain gutters, elevate utilities where possible, and develop a tornado safety plan for your household.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Richland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Richland County
Risk Verdict
Richland County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 52th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Richland County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Richland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (15th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 63th percentile nationally, Richland County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary tornado exposure at the 51th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Richland County households.
Regional Context
Richland County is 7.5 composite risk points below the Wisconsin state mean, meaning most other Wisconsin counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Richland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Richland County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Richland County?
How does Richland County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Richland County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Richland 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.