Natural Disaster Risk in Black River Falls
Wisconsin
Risk Summary for Black River Falls
Black River Falls scores 5.4/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Landslide.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Black River Falls is a city of approximately 11,315 residents in Jackson County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers, with severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Black River Falls.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Black River Falls carries an overall risk score of 5.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and hail.
Black River Falls's risk score, near the 5.4/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Jackson County, the highest-scoring are landslide, cold wave, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Black River Falls residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for landslide is recommended.
What this means for Black River Falls: Landslide preparedness
- Watch for warning signs such as new cracks, tilting trees, or changes in water drainage on slopes.
- Standard insurance generally excludes landslide and earth-movement damage — ask about specialized coverage.
- Have an evacuation plan ready during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
Local Factors for Black River Falls
These city-level factors differentiate Black River Falls from other communities in Jackson County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
11,315
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.0/10
Coordinates
44.2616° N, 90.7805° W
Jackson County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Black River Falls
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Black River Falls
Other cities in Wisconsin
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.