Out of 23 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 23 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 18 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 4 |
Top 23 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waukesha | Wisconsin | 2 | 0 | 2008 | 2/100 |
| 2 | Milwaukee | Wisconsin | 2 | 0 | 2009 | 2/100 |
| 3 | Door | Wisconsin | 1 | 2 | 2006 | 21/100 |
| 4 | Pierce | Wisconsin | 1 | 1 | 2007 | 7/100 |
| 5 | Dane | Wisconsin | 1 | 1 | 2018 | 4/100 |
| 6 | Burnett | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 7 | Washington | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 1/100 |
| 8 | Fond du Lac | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2007 | 1/100 |
| 9 | Winnebago | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2004 | 1/100 |
| 10 | Kenosha | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2014 | 1/100 |
| 11 | Rock | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 1/100 |
| 12 | Taylor | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Rusk | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 1/100 |
| 14 | Ashland | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 1/100 |
| 15 | Sawyer | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 16 | Waupaca | Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 2021 | 1/100 |
| 17 | Jefferson | Wisconsin | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 18 | Washburn | Wisconsin | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 19 | Ozaukee | Wisconsin | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 20 | Walworth | Wisconsin | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 21 | Shawano | Wisconsin | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 22 | Clark | Wisconsin | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 23 | Bayfield | Wisconsin | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Wisconsin based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.