Natural Disaster Risk in Sobieski

Natural Hazard Profile: Sobieski, Wisconsin

Sobieski is a town of roughly 4,024 residents in Oconto 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 Sobieski.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Sobieski carries an overall risk score of 5.5/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and lightning.

Sobieski'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 Oconto County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, cold wave, and lightning. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Sobieski 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 coastal flood is recommended.