Waushara County Disaster Risk
Waushara County, Wisconsin
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#57
of 72 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
45th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% 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 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Waushara County, Wisconsin
Waushara's risk falls below state norm
Waushara County scores 43.26 on the composite risk index, ranking in the relatively low risk category and 27% below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. The county faces lower natural disaster exposure than most Wisconsin communities.
Among Wisconsin's safer counties
Waushara ranks in the lower half of Wisconsin's 72 counties for disaster risk. The county's central location and moderate exposure to most hazard types create a genuinely favorable risk profile.
Safer than surrounding counties
Waushara's composite score of 43.26 is substantially lower than nearby Walworth County (74.78), Waupaca County (67.59), and Winnebago County (86.83). It remains among the safest communities in central Wisconsin.
Wildfire risk leads all hazards
Wildfire risk scores 51.27 in Waushara—the county's highest hazard score, though still moderate overall. Tornado (60.21) and flood (44.94) risks follow, with all three remaining well below dangerous thresholds.
Standard coverage likely sufficient
Waushara residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with fire and wind protection. Flood insurance is recommended only for properties in mapped flood zones, and most residents can skip this added expense.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Waushara County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Waushara County
Risk Verdict
At the 43th percentile nationally, Waushara County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. At the 43th percentile, Waushara County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Waushara County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (45th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Waushara County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 60th percentile nationally. In Waushara County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 51th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Waushara County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Waushara County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Waushara County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Wisconsin county average, Waushara County's composite score runs 15.8 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Waushara County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Waushara County, WI?
What types of natural hazards affect Waushara County?
How does Waushara County risk compare to the Wisconsin average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Waushara 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.