Sawyer County Disaster Risk
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
74th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
62th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Sawyer County's moderate risk profile
With a composite risk score of 74.49, Sawyer County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to the U.S. average, earning a "Relatively Low" overall rating. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding, which poses the most significant threat to residents and property.
Above average for Wisconsin
Sawyer County's risk score of 74.49 significantly exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the higher-risk tier among the state's 72 counties. This elevation is driven primarily by the county's flood vulnerability, which scores 62.09—well above typical levels.
Riskier than nearby Bayfield
Compared to neighboring Vilas County (63.26 composite score) and Ashland County, Sawyer County presents elevated overall risk. The primary differentiator is Sawyer's higher flood exposure, a characteristic of its geography and water systems that affects neighboring communities differently.
Flooding and tornadoes top concerns
Flooding poses the greatest threat to Sawyer County, with a risk score of 62.09, while tornado risk reaches 30.22—moderately elevated compared to many U.S. counties. Wildfire risk remains low at 17.75, making it a secondary concern for most residents.
Prioritize flood and windstorm coverage
Given flood risk exposure of 62.09, homeowners should ensure comprehensive flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially those in mapped flood zones or near waterways. Consider windstorm coverage to protect against tornado damage, particularly for roof and structural integrity.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sawyer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sawyer County
Risk Verdict
Sawyer County ranks at the 74th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Sawyer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 62th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (18th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Sawyer County sits at the 62th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 30th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Regardless of specific hazard, Sawyer County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Wisconsin counties, Sawyer County runs 15.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Sawyer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sawyer County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Sawyer County?
How does Sawyer County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Sawyer County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sawyer 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.