Taylor County Disaster Risk
Taylor County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Taylor County, Wisconsin
Taylor County has lowest risk in state
With a composite risk score of just 37.18, Taylor County earns a "Very Low" rating and sits well below the national average. The county faces minimal exposure to most natural disaster hazards, making it one of Wisconsin's safest communities.
Wisconsin's safest county
Taylor County's score of 37.18 falls dramatically below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it as the lowest-risk county in the state. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's relative isolation from major hazard corridors.
Far safer than Rusk, Price
Taylor County's risk score of 37.18 is substantially lower than neighboring Rusk County and Price County, which face elevated flood and wildfire threats. This makes Taylor County a notably safer choice within the north-central region.
Flooding remains only moderate concern
Flood risk is Taylor County's highest hazard at 42.53, though this remains below state averages and poses minimal risk to most properties. Tornado risk (48.63) and wildfire risk (14.41) are both manageable, making the county exceptionally safe overall.
Standard homeowners insurance sufficient
Taylor County residents face minimal natural disaster risk and can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most situations. Those in mapped flood zones or near waterways should consider flood insurance as a precaution, but overall coverage needs are below most Wisconsin counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Taylor County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Taylor County
Risk Verdict
Taylor County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 37th percentile nationally. Taylor County's 37th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Taylor County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (14th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 49th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Taylor County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary flood hazard at the 43th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Taylor County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Taylor County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Taylor County falls 21.9 points below Wisconsin's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Taylor County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Taylor County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Taylor County?
How does Taylor County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Taylor County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Taylor County a safe place to live?
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.