Rusk County Disaster Risk
Rusk County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
45th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% 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 3% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rusk County, Wisconsin
Rusk County ranks among nation's safest
With a composite risk score of 37.28 and a Very Low rating, Rusk County sits well below the national average and ranks among America's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. This northern Wisconsin county enjoys exceptional protection from most hazard types.
Second-safest county in Wisconsin
Rusk County's 37.28 score falls far below Wisconsin's 59.08 state average, ranking it among the state's safest counties alongside Price County (32.32). Its northern location shields it from the severe weather and seismic exposure that affect southern Wisconsin.
Nearly as safe as Price County
Rusk County's score of 37.28 ranks it among the safest in the region, just slightly above Price County (32.32) and well below Portage County (62.72). The county's position in Wisconsin's rural north provides a significant safety advantage.
Modest flood exposure only concern
Rusk County's greatest hazard is relatively low flood risk at 44.69, with tornado (34.41) and wildfire (6.62) risks remaining minimal. Even the county's highest-risk hazard ranks well below state average, indicating genuinely limited disaster exposure.
Basic insurance and preparedness suffice
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most Rusk County residents given the county's very low overall risk profile. Maintain basic emergency supplies and seasonal weather awareness, but elaborate multi-hazard coverage is rarely necessary here.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rusk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rusk County
Risk Verdict
Rusk County's overall natural disaster score at the 37th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 37th percentile nationally is an advantage for Rusk County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Rusk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (7th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Rusk County's top hazard at the 45th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 34th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Rusk County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Rusk County's composite risk score sits 21.8 points below the Wisconsin county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Rusk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rusk County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Rusk County?
How does Rusk County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Rusk County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Rusk 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.