Franklin, Wisconsin: natural disaster risk
How exposed Franklin is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Milwaukee County.
Franklin is a city of 35,886 people in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Milwaukee County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and tornado, with about $342 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 598 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 19 tornadoes and 70 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Milwaukee County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Franklin
Full Milwaukee County report ›- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $177M | |
| Inland flooding | $101M | |
| Tornado | $32M | |
| Heat wave | $25M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $819K | |
| Lightning | $309K | |
| Ice storm | $287K | |
| Wildfire | $12K | |
| Coastal flooding | $7K |
Homes in Franklin
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 Milwaukee County
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Common questions about Franklin
Is Franklin safe from natural disasters?
Franklin is in Milwaukee County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Franklin?
By expected yearly losses in Milwaukee County, the top hazards are cold wave (Very High), inland flooding (High), tornado (Very High). Milwaukee County has been part of 20 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Franklin get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 19 tornadoes in Milwaukee County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on September 26, 1959. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.
Do I need flood insurance in Franklin?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Milwaukee County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.