Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County
Wisconsin
Risk Summary for Monroe County
Monroe County scores 6.1/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Monroe County, Wisconsin
Monroe County, in the United States in Wisconsin, is characterized by its humid continental climate — long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers. The county faces severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Monroe County carries an overall risk score of 6.1/10, placing it in the high category. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and hail.
Within Wisconsin, Monroe County'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 Monroe County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and hail. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Monroe County'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.
What this means for Monroe County: Cold Wave preparedness
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
Cities in Monroe County
ZIP codes in Monroe County
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.