Rock County Disaster Risk
Rock County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
86th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 94% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rock County, Wisconsin
Rock County faces elevated national risk
Rock County's composite risk score of 86.36 and Relatively Moderate rating place it among the most hazard-exposed counties in the nation. This south-central Wisconsin county's risk profile rivals some of America's most vulnerable regions.
Tied as Wisconsin's highest-risk county
Rock County's 86.36 score essentially ties Racine County (85.43) as Wisconsin's most hazard-exposed county, far exceeding the state average of 59.08. These two southern counties represent a distinct tier of elevated risk within Wisconsin.
Riskiest in its region by far
Rock County's 86.36 dramatically exceeds all nearby counties, including Richland (51.56), Sauk (72.11), and Racine (85.43). Its position in the state's vulnerable south-central corridor, combined with active severe weather patterns, creates a uniquely hazardous environment.
Tornadoes and floods are primary threats
Rock County residents face exceptional tornado risk (94.34) and flood risk (87.60), making it one of the nation's most tornado-active areas. Earthquake risk (59.32) is also notably elevated, creating a three-part hazard profile uncommon in the Midwest.
Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable
Rock County homeowners must prioritize flood insurance, tornado-resistant construction upgrades, and earthquake coverage—a rare but warranted combination in Wisconsin. Work with an insurance professional to ensure your policy covers all three primary hazards and review it annually given the county's exceptional risk level.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rock County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 86th percentile, Rock County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Rock County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Rock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (59th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile), hurricane (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Rock County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 88th percentile nationally means Rock County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Rock County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 27.3 points above the Wisconsin state average, Rock County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Wisconsin county.
Is your household prepared for Rock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rock County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Rock County?
How does Rock County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Rock County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Rock 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.