Appleton, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Appleton is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Outagamie County.
Appleton is a city of 75,023 people in Outagamie County, Wisconsin. Parts of Appleton also reach into Winnebago County and Calumet County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Outagamie County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $59 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 472 storm reports in the county since 1959, including 35 tornadoes and 17 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Outagamie County, the county with most of the population Appleton sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Appleton
Full Outagamie County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $25M | |
| Cold wave | $18M | |
| Tornado | $8M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $270K | |
| Ice storm | $189K | |
| Earthquake | $99K | |
| Wildfire | $17K | |
| Hurricane | $7K |
Homes in Appleton
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Outagamie County
Other cities in Wisconsin
All ›Common questions about Appleton
Is Appleton safe from natural disasters?
Appleton is in Outagamie County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Appleton?
By expected yearly losses in Outagamie County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). Outagamie County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Appleton get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 35 tornadoes in Outagamie County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 27, 1984. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Appleton?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Outagamie County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.