Natural Disaster Risk in Mason

Natural Hazard Profile: Mason, Wisconsin

Mason is a small community of about 1,628 in Bayfield County, in the northern tier of the continental 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 Mason.

FEMA rates Mason's composite natural disaster risk at 4.8 out of 10 — moderate risk. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Residents should also account for cold wave and winter risk in their preparedness planning.

Mason's risk score, slightly below the 5.4/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Bayfield County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, cold wave, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Mason's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that coastal flood exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.