Sauk County Disaster Risk
Sauk County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
78th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% 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 Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sauk County, Wisconsin
Sauk County's risk moderately elevated
Sauk County's composite risk score of 72.11 and Relatively Low rating place it above the national average, indicating above-typical natural disaster exposure. This south-central Wisconsin county faces more hazards than most American counties, though not at extreme levels.
Upper-middle tier within Wisconsin
At 72.11, Sauk County exceeds Wisconsin's 59.08 state average and ranks in the upper-middle tier of risk across the state's counties. Its location in the state's more hazard-prone south-central region contributes to this elevated profile.
Riskier than Richland, safer than Rock
Sauk County's score of 72.11 sits between safer Richland County (51.56) to the south and riskier Rock County (86.36) to the southeast. Its position reflects the transition from southwestern Wisconsin's more moderate hazard exposure to the south-central corridor's elevated risk.
Tornadoes and floods are twin threats
Tornado risk at 78.28 and flood risk at 77.54 create nearly equal hazards in Sauk County, while wildfire (27.16) and wildfire exposure remain minimal. This dual exposure to water and severe wind damage requires balanced preparedness strategies.
Dual insurance strategy recommended
Sauk County homeowners should prioritize both flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage, given the county's elevated exposure to both hazards. Create a family emergency plan, identify your nearest tornado shelter, and document your home's contents for insurance purposes.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sauk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sauk County
Risk Verdict
Sauk County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Sauk County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Sauk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (27th percentile), earthquake (25th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Sauk County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 78th percentile nationally. For Sauk County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 78th percentile nationally means Sauk County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Sauk County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Sauk County's composite risk score sits 13.0 points above the Wisconsin county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Sauk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sauk County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Sauk County?
How does Sauk County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Sauk County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sauk 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.