Vernon County Disaster Risk
Vernon County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
75th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% 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 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Vernon County, Wisconsin
Vernon County faces elevated risks
With a composite risk score of 74.97, Vernon County exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively Low" rating despite significant exposure to flooding and tornadoes. The county's driftless topography and river valleys create natural vulnerability corridors.
Wisconsin's second-riskiest county
Vernon County's score of 74.97 places it among Wisconsin's highest-risk counties, second only to a handful of peers, well above the state average of 59.08. The county's combination of flood, tornado, and modest earthquake risk explains this elevated position.
Riskier than Crawford, Richland
Vernon County's risk score of 74.97 significantly exceeds neighboring Crawford and Richland counties, despite their shared driftless terrain. Vernon's higher tornado risk (69.43) and specific flood vulnerability patterns distinguish it as the region's riskiest county.
Flooding and severe tornadoes
Flood risk reaches 70.17, making it Vernon County's most significant hazard as the Kickapoo, Baraboo, and other river systems regularly threaten property. Tornado risk at 69.43 ranks among Wisconsin's highest, creating a dual severe-weather threat.
Flood and windstorm coverage essential
Given flood risk of 70.17, all homeowners near rivers and low-lying areas must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Windstorm and hail coverage is equally critical for the county's 69.43 tornado risk, particularly for roof and structural protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Vernon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Vernon County
Risk Verdict
At the 75th percentile nationally, Vernon County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Vernon County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Vernon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (17th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Vernon County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 69th percentile nationally, means Vernon County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Vernon County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Vernon County falls 15.9 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 Vernon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Vernon County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Vernon County?
How does Vernon County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Vernon County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Vernon 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.