Vilas County Disaster Risk
Vilas County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Vilas County, Wisconsin
Vilas County moderately above average
With a composite risk score of 63.26, Vilas County slightly exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's risk landscape is shaped primarily by flood vulnerability tied to its abundant lakes and waterways.
Mid-range risk for Wisconsin
At 63.26, Vilas County's composite risk score exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the moderate-risk category among the state's 72 counties. The county's extensive water systems explain this above-average positioning.
Comparable to Oneida, Iron
Vilas County's risk profile aligns closely with neighboring Oneida and Iron counties, with all three sharing similar flood vulnerabilities tied to northern Wisconsin's lake-dense geography. Tornado risk remains minimal across all three, reflecting the region's relative protection from severe storms.
Flooding from lakes and streams
Flood risk is Vilas County's primary concern at 60.88, reflecting the county's position in a region of over 1,300 lakes where spring snowmelt and heavy rains cause regular water-level rises. Wildfire risk (22.14) and tornado risk (29.07) remain well below average.
Flood insurance for lakefront property
Homeowners with lakefront or streamside properties should secure flood insurance given Vilas County's 60.88 flood risk score. Standard homeowners insurance is typically sufficient for other hazard types, as wildfire and tornado risks remain minimal in this northwoods setting.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Vilas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Vilas County
Risk Verdict
Vilas County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Vilas County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Vilas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (22th percentile), earthquake (3th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Vilas County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 29th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. For most Vilas County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
At just 4.2 composite points from the Wisconsin average, Vilas County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Vilas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Vilas County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Vilas County?
How does Vilas County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Vilas County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Vilas 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.