Natural Disaster Risk in Winnebago County

Natural Hazard Profile: Winnebago County, Wisconsin

Winnebago County is located in the United States in Wisconsin, home to roughly 171,623 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, Winnebago County carries an overall risk score of 6.3/10, 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 hail and wind.

Winnebago County's risk score, slightly above 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 Winnebago 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.

Winnebago 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.