The Sconi

Wisconsin's relative safety from natural disasters is noteworthy, especially when compared to other states in the U.S. Despite occasional tornadoes, the state experiences fewer severe natural events than many other regions.

Since 1953, Wisconsin has had 54 declared disasters, including 20 severe storms, 19 floods, and six tornadoes that warranted federal aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In contrast, California and Texas each had 375 declared disasters. Oklahoma and Washington State each had over 200, while Florida had 178. Oregon experienced 176, and New Mexico, New York, Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, and Colorado all had between 100 and 120.

The disparity can be partly attributed to the size and population of these states. However, even after adjusting for these factors using FEMA data, Wisconsin remains relatively safe. The state ranks 39th in declared disasters per 1,000 square miles over the past 71 years and 36th in disasters per hundred thousand people during the same period.

All emergency and major disaster declarations are made at the discretion of the President of the United States. According to FEMA: “The President can declare a major disaster for any natural event...that the President determines has caused damage of such severity that it is beyond the combined capabilities of state and local governments to respond.”

A major disaster declaration enables various federal assistance programs for individuals and communities. Between 2017 and 2019, Wisconsin received approximately $140 million from FEMA Disaster Relief Fund spending—ranking it 32nd among all states. On a per capita basis, Wisconsin was ranked 38th.

A Brookings report suggested that experience navigating federal systems might influence disaster declarations: “the overall trend has been in favor of more declarations.” This implies that some states may be more skilled at securing federal aid.

In conclusion, while Wisconsin is an average state by land area but slightly larger than average by population, it appears safer from natural disasters compared to many other parts of America.

Mike Nichols is the President of the Badger Institute; Wyatt Eichholz is its Policy and Legislative Associate. Permission to reprint is granted with proper citation of both authors and Badger Institute.