Jackson County

Wisconsin — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

48.1

National percentile: 48th

Jackson County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 48.1, 48th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $13M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability High Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Medium Capacity to recover
Population 21K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Landslide
Low $27K/yr
Cold Wave
Medium $3M/yr
Hail
Medium $563K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Landslide Low 0.33 / yr $27K
Cold Wave Medium 7.95 / yr $3M
Hail Medium 3.33 / yr $563K
Strong Wind Medium 2.95 / yr $834K
Riverine Flood Low 1.75 / yr $6M
Heat Wave Low 3.26 / yr $369K
Tornado Low 0.39 / yr $1M
Ice Storm Low 0.29 / yr $64K
Drought Low 4.07 / yr $85K
Lightning Low 34.34 / yr $145K
Winter Weather Low 17.11 / yr $37K
Wildfire Very Low 0.00 / yr $13K
Earthquake Very Low 0.00 / yr $5K
Avalanche Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Hurricane Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Jackson County?

Jackson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 48.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 48th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Jackson County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $27K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Hail (Medium, $563K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Jackson County compare to other Wisconsin counties?

Jackson County ranks #51 of 72 Wisconsin counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?

EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Jackson County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.