St. Croix County Disaster Risk
St. Croix County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in St. Croix County, Wisconsin
St. Croix County moderately above average
St. Croix County's composite risk score of 64.12 places it above the national average with a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's risk landscape is defined by extreme tornado exposure and moderate flood vulnerability along the St. Croix River system.
Wisconsin's sixth-riskiest county
At 64.12, St. Croix County exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 and ranks among the state's more hazard-prone counties. Its elevated risk stems primarily from tornado susceptibility, with a score of 84.80—one of the highest in Wisconsin.
Tornado risk towers over Polk, Pierce
St. Croix County faces substantially higher tornado risk (84.80) than neighboring Polk and Pierce counties, though all three share similar flood vulnerabilities tied to river systems. St. Croix's wildfire risk (45.26) also notably exceeds western neighbors, reflecting its transitional geography.
Tornadoes and river flooding threats
Tornado risk reaches an alarming 84.80 in St. Croix County, making severe thunderstorms the dominant hazard concern across the region. Flood risk scores 64.06, reflecting vulnerability along the St. Croix River and its tributaries during spring snowmelt and heavy rain events.
Windstorm and flood insurance critical
Given tornado risk of 84.80, windstorm and hail coverage should be a top priority for all homeowners in St. Croix County. Those in flood-prone zones near the St. Croix River or tributaries must secure flood insurance, as the county's 64.06 flood risk score indicates significant vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in St. Croix County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: St. Croix County
Risk Verdict
At the 64th percentile nationally, St. Croix County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. St. Croix County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is St. Croix County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (45th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
St. Croix County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 85th percentile nationally. In St. Croix County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Flood is the second hazard driver for St. Croix County at the 64th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when St. Croix County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to St. Croix County households.
Regional Context
St. Croix County falls 5.0 points above Wisconsin's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for St. Croix County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in St. Croix County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect St. Croix County?
How does St. Croix County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is St. Croix County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is St. Croix 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.