Natural Disaster Risk in Sturgeon Bay

Natural Hazard Profile: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Located in the Great Lakes region in Door County, Sturgeon Bay is a city of approximately 17,749 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Wisconsin — marked by long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Sturgeon Bay a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Sturgeon Bay's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.9/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. 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. Secondary hazards include cold wave and hail.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Sturgeon Bay's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.4/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by coastal flood and cold wave, as measured by FEMA across Door County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Sturgeon Bay'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.