Natural Disaster Risk in Marathon

Natural Hazard Profile: Marathon, Wisconsin

Marathon is a town of roughly 4,280 residents in Marathon 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 Marathon.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Marathon carries an overall risk score of 6.0/10, placing it in the high category. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. The area also faces notable exposure to lightning and hail.

Marathon's risk score, slightly above 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 Marathon County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, lightning, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Marathon residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for cold wave and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.