Waukesha County Disaster Risk
Waukesha County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
89th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#4
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Waukesha County, Wisconsin
Waukesha faces above-average risk
Waukesha County scores 88.87 on the composite risk index, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and 50% above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. Among Wisconsin counties, Waukesha ranks among the highest-risk communities.
Second-highest risk in Wisconsin
Waukesha ranks near the top of Wisconsin's risk tier, with exposure to multiple high-impact hazards. The county's rapid suburban development in flood-prone areas and high tornado frequency drive its elevated composite score.
Waukesha's risk stands out regionally
Waukesha's composite score of 88.87 significantly exceeds nearby Washington County (68.32) and Walworth County (74.78). It ranks among the riskiest counties in southeastern Wisconsin's urban corridor.
Tornadoes and flooding hit hardest
Tornado risk scores 95.71—the highest in the county and among Wisconsin's most dangerous—while flood risk reaches 89.76, affecting major urban and suburban zones. Earthquake risk (57.44) and wildfire risk (49.68) pose secondary but notable threats.
Comprehensive coverage is critical
Waukesha residents must prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind and tornado protection. Flood insurance is non-negotiable for any property in a mapped flood zone or with flood history; the county's high flood score means many areas face genuine inundation risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Waukesha County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Waukesha County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 89th percentile, Waukesha County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Waukesha County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Waukesha County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (57th percentile), wildfire (50th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 96th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Waukesha County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Flood is the second hazard driver for Waukesha County at the 90th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. For Waukesha County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 29.8 points above the Wisconsin state average, Waukesha County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Wisconsin county.
Is your household prepared for Waukesha County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Waukesha County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Waukesha County?
How does Waukesha County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
Is Waukesha County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Waukesha 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.