Natural Disaster Risk in Kaukauna

Natural Hazard Profile: Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Kaukauna, in Outagamie County, is a city of approximately 28,380 residents situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers, and in particular severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Kaukauna residents and property owners must navigate.

Kaukauna's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.1/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Cold wave events are the primary hazard risk, driven by periodic invasions of Arctic air that drive wind chills to life-threatening levels and stress heating systems. Secondary hazards include hail and lightning.

Within Wisconsin, Kaukauna's risk is, slightly above the 5.4/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Outagamie County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by hail and lightning. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Kaukauna's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.