Natural Disaster Risk in Racine County

Natural Hazard Profile: Racine County, Wisconsin

Racine County is located in the United States in Wisconsin, home to roughly 197,542 residents. The county experiences long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers, with severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Racine County carries an overall risk score of 6.8/10, 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 tornado and coastal flood.

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

Racine 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.