Photo: Royalbroil · CC BY-SA 3.0On FEMA’s figures, West Salem faces less hazard damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Salem gets an A− for hazard risk: lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns, #170 of 362 in Wisconsin. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (73%), then hail (14%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2019.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What West Salem faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Hail
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind West Salem’s grade
River and rain flooding is 73% of the building damage FEMA expects in West Salem, and West Salem’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 67% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 14%, at a rate in the top 9% of U.S. census tracts.
A− #170 of 362 in Wisconsin; lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns (21,298).
West Salem’s residents live in 3 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Wisconsin town has lower expected damage than 79% of U.S. towns; within the state, West Salem has less expected damage per building than 53% of Wisconsin towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.2M a year in losses across West Salem: $1.0M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does West Salem flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2019
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in West Salem, from FEMA’s records: 0.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 90% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The March 2019 Midwest Flooding1 claim · $9K
West Salem isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: La Crosse County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to West Salem
Disasters that paid out in West Salem itself (aid to households or repair grants to the Village of West Salem), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2008Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding2 households applied for aid$559 aid approved
- 2007Severe Storms and Flooding7 households applied for aid$3K aid approved
La Crosse County has had 15 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of West Salem after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the West Salem archive →Get ready for what West Salem faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in West Salem
Is West Salem at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, West Salem has lower expected damage per building than 80% of U.S. towns: A− for hazard risk, #170 of 362 in Wisconsin. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (73%) and hail (14%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does West Salem flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in West Salem since 2019, $9K in all, or 0.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 90% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from March 2019 Midwest Flooding (1).
Is West Salem in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In La Crosse County, 31% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 1.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in West Salem?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for West Salem’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in West Salem?
By FEMA money that reached West Salem, Severe Storms and Flooding (2007): 7 households applied for aid, $3K approved. By flood claims, March 2019 Midwest Flooding: 1 paid, $9K.
Is West Salem at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (73%), and West Salem’s rate for it is lower than 67% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in West Salem.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where West Salem’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.