Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Wisconsin
Washington above average but manageable
Washington County scores 68.32 on the composite risk index, earning a relatively low risk rating despite running 16% above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. The county's hazard profile places it in the moderate range nationally.
Upper-middle risk tier statewide
Washington County ranks in the upper half of Wisconsin's 72 counties for natural disaster risk. The county's elevated scores are driven primarily by tornado and flood hazards that exceed state norms.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Washington County (68.32) faces considerably higher composite risk than Waupaca County (67.59) and significantly more than Waushara County (43.26). It remains somewhat safer than neighboring Waukesha County's 88.87 score.
Tornadoes and floods lead threats
Tornado risk reaches 84.06—among Wisconsin's highest—while flood risk scores 66.13, affecting major portions of the county. Wildfire risk remains moderate at 49.05, and earthquake risk is minimal at 32.51.
Storm and flood protection essential
Washington County homeowners need robust wind and tornado coverage in their standard insurance policies. Properties in flood-prone zones require separate National Flood Insurance Program coverage, as standard policies never cover flood damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 68th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Washington County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (49th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 84th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Washington County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Washington County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary flood hazard at the 66th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Washington County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Washington County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 9.2 points above the Wisconsin state average puts Washington County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Washington County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.