Shawano County Disaster Risk
Shawano County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#36
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Shawano County, Wisconsin
Shawano County faces moderate risks nationally
Shawano County's composite risk score of 63.14 places it near the national average, with a "Relatively Low" overall rating. The county's risk profile is notably shaped by severe tornado exposure, which significantly exceeds typical U.S. hazard patterns.
Slightly above Wisconsin's average
At 63.14, Shawano County's composite risk score edges above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it moderate-risk within its state context. This puts the county in the middle range of Wisconsin's 72 counties by natural disaster vulnerability.
Similar risk to Outagamie, Waupaca
Shawano County's risk profile closely resembles that of nearby Outagamie and Waupaca counties, which share similar tornado and flood vulnerabilities across the Fox Valley region. All three counties benefit from relatively lower wildfire exposure compared to western Wisconsin counties.
Tornadoes and flooding dominate
Tornado risk in Shawano County reaches 65.90—substantially higher than the national average—making severe wind events the county's primary hazard concern. Flood risk scores 59.73, placing it above average for the state, while wildfire and earthquake risks remain minimal.
Windstorm coverage is essential
With tornado risk at 65.90, homeowners should prioritize comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage to protect against severe thunderstorm damage. Flood insurance is also recommended for properties in flood-prone zones, given the county's 59.73 flood risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Shawano County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Shawano County
Risk Verdict
Shawano County's FEMA risk score places it at the 63th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Shawano County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 66th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (22th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 66th percentile nationally makes Shawano County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Flood is the second hazard driver for Shawano County at the 60th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. In Shawano County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
Shawano County sits within 4.1 composite points of the Wisconsin state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Shawano County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Shawano County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Shawano County?
How does Shawano County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Shawano County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Shawano 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.