Trempealeau County Disaster Risk
Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
Trempealeau County near national average
Trempealeau County's composite risk score of 58.65 aligns closely with the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" overall rating. The county's risk profile is anchored by moderate flood exposure along the Mississippi River system and its tributaries.
Slightly below Wisconsin's average
At 58.65, Trempealeau County scores just below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the lower-to-moderate risk category within the state. This positions the county favorably compared to about half of Wisconsin's 72 counties.
Similar to Jackson, La Crosse
Trempealeau County's risk profile mirrors that of neighboring Jackson and La Crosse counties, with all three sharing Mississippi River flood vulnerability and moderate tornado exposure. The three counties form a relatively consistent risk band across the southwestern driftless region.
River flooding and tornadoes primary
Flood risk dominates at 67.46, reflecting Trempealeau County's position within the Mississippi River watershed where spring flooding and heavy rain events pose regular threats. Tornado risk reaches 59.83, moderately elevated but secondary to flooding concerns.
Flood insurance for river properties
Homeowners in flood-prone zones near the Mississippi River, Black River, or Trempealeau River should secure flood insurance given the county's 67.46 flood risk score. Comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind and hail is also important for managing tornado risk at 59.83.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Trempealeau County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Trempealeau County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Trempealeau County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 59th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Trempealeau County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Trempealeau County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (13th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Trempealeau County's top hazard at the 67th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Secondary tornado exposure at the 60th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Households across Trempealeau County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Trempealeau County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Wisconsin county average, with a 0.4-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Trempealeau County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Trempealeau County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Trempealeau County?
How does Trempealeau County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Trempealeau County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Trempealeau 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.