Washburn County Disaster Risk
Washburn County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#63
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washburn County, Wisconsin
Washburn ranks among safest counties
With a composite risk score of 32.76, Washburn County ranks in the very low risk category—well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 and significantly safer than most U.S. counties. This northwestern Wisconsin county faces substantially lower natural disaster exposure overall.
Wisconsin's safest county
Washburn ranks lowest for natural disaster risk among all Wisconsin counties, with a score dramatically below the state average. The county's remote location and northern geography provide natural protection from several major hazard types.
Safest in a relatively protected region
Washburn's risk score of 32.76 is substantially lower than most surrounding counties, including Bayfield and Ashland. Its very low risk profile reflects geographic advantages shared only by the most isolated Wisconsin counties.
Wildfire poses the main concern
Wildfire risk reaches 39.47 in Washburn, the highest hazard score in the county, though still moderate compared to state averages. Tornado risk (35.53) and flood risk (32.54) round out the top three, all remaining well below dangerous thresholds.
Focus on wildfire preparedness
Washburn residents should maintain defensible space around homes and keep gutters clear to reduce wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate coverage for the county's low-risk profile, but verify your policy includes wind and fire protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washburn County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washburn County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Washburn County ranks at the 33th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 33th percentile nationally, Washburn County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Washburn County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (33th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Washburn County sits at the 39th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Washburn County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. The county's tornado exposure at the 36th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Washburn County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 26.3 points below the Wisconsin state average, Washburn County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Washburn County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washburn County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Washburn County?
How does Washburn County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Washburn County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Washburn 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.