La Crosse Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 93,163 and a calculated risk score of 61.9, La Crosse faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for La Crosse, WI. Calling La Crosse home means understanding its environment. While often overlooked, the local hazard data is clear. The numbers show a clear susceptibility to landslides.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. La Crosse sits at a Risk Score of 61.906. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Landslide and Heat Wave.
Top Hazards for The La Crosse Area
Regional data for Wisconsin suggests that the area is historically prone to periods of landslide. Consequently, the data-driven score of 90.3 underscores the need for preparedness. Families should have a reunification plan for when an event occurs during work/school hours.
Across the diverse landscape of Wisconsin, heat wave preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 88.7 is derived from granular local inputs. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a heat wave strains the power grid.
Across the diverse landscape of Wisconsin, tornado preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 87.0 is derived from granular local inputs. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a tornado strains the power grid.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in La Crosse? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in La Crosse
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for La Crosse. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Prepare for secondary heat waves if power is lost.
- 2Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 3Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 4Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 5Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
Essential Gear for La Crosse
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
The best insurance against Landslide is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 91.1 | Choosing between La Crosse and Milwaukee? La Crosse presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Madison | 86.9 | Madison and La Crosse share similar regional risks, but our data gives La Crosse the edge in overall safety. |
| Appleton | 57.6 | When compared to Appleton, La Crosse is slightly higher risk. The difference of 4.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Green Bay | 68.6 | Choosing between La Crosse and Green Bay? La Crosse presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Racine | 65.0 | Choosing between La Crosse and Racine? La Crosse presents a lower overall risk profile. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Landslides in La Crosse?
With a risk score of 90.3 for Landslide, La Crosse is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Landslide events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is La Crosse safer than other cities in Wisconsin?
It varies by hazard. While La Crosse has its own risk profile (Total Score: 61.9), it is generally comparable to the average in Wisconsin. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to La Crosse given the risk of Heat Wave?
Every city has risks. The threat of Heat Wave (Score: 88.7) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in La Crosse is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does La Crosse compare to other cities in Wisconsin?
See the full Wisconsin Disaster Rankings to see how La Crosse stacks up against other cities in the state.