Natural Disaster Risk in Rice Lake
Wisconsin
Risk Summary for Rice Lake
Rice Lake scores 5.5/10 (Moderate 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
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Rice Lake is a city of approximately 16,323 residents in Barron 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 Rice Lake.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Rice Lake carries an overall risk score of 5.5/10, placing it in the moderate 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 hail and wind.
Rice Lake's risk score, near 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 Barron County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, hail, and wind. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Rice Lake residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for cold wave is recommended.
What this means for Rice Lake: Cold Wave preparedness
- 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.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Local Factors for Rice Lake
These city-level factors differentiate Rice Lake from other communities in Barron County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
16,323
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.8/10
Coordinates
45.5272° N, 91.7098° W
Barron County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Rice Lake
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Rice Lake
Other cities in Wisconsin
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.