Sheboygan County Disaster Risk
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% 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
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
Sheboygan County ranks above national average
With a composite risk score of 70.20, Sheboygan County exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively Low" rating—though it faces notably elevated tornado and flood risks. The county's coastal location on Lake Michigan introduces unique hazards not found in inland areas.
Wisconsin's fourth-riskiest county
Sheboygan County's score of 70.20 places it among Wisconsin's higher-risk counties, well above the state average of 59.08. The county's exposure to multiple hazards—particularly tornadoes at 84.41 and flooding at 71.76—explains this elevated position.
Riskiest in eastern Wisconsin cluster
Sheboygan County significantly outpaces nearby Ozaukee and Manitowoc counties in overall risk, driven by higher tornado and earthquake susceptibility. Its lakefront position also introduces hurricane risk (21.53) absent in strictly inland neighbors.
Tornadoes, flooding, and lake hazards
Tornado risk dominates at 84.41, placing Sheboygan among Wisconsin's most tornado-vulnerable counties, while flood risk reaches 71.76. Hurricane risk, though modest at 21.53, reflects the county's Lake Michigan exposure—a factor inland counties don't face.
Comprehensive coverage for multiple threats
Homeowners should secure robust windstorm coverage for the county's extreme tornado risk (84.41) and flood insurance for areas near waterways and low-lying zones. Consider reinforcing basement walls and installing safe rooms or storm shelters given the high frequency of severe weather events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sheboygan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sheboygan County
Risk Verdict
Sheboygan County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 70th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Sheboygan County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Sheboygan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (31th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 84th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Sheboygan County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Sheboygan County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 72th percentile nationally means Sheboygan County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Sheboygan County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 11.1 points above the Wisconsin state average puts Sheboygan County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Sheboygan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sheboygan County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Sheboygan County?
How does Sheboygan County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Sheboygan County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Sheboygan 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.