Milwaukee-area flood was FEMA's second-most expensive 2025 disaster.

FEMA has paid more than $195 million for damage from the August Milwaukee-area flood and has approved over 36,500 individual assistance applications as of Jan. 6, 2026.

FEMA has provided more than $195 million in individual assistance to residents of Milwaukee, Waukesha and Washington counties for damage from the August flood. The agency had approved over 36,500 individual assistance applications in the Milwaukee area as of Jan. 6, 2026. Officials and analysts note the payments rank the event among FEMA's largest disasters for 2025 and reflect costs that can be higher in densely populated areas. Key facts: - FEMA payments for individual assistance in the Milwaukee-area exceeded $195 million as of Jan. 6, 2026. - More than 36,500 individual assistance applications have been approved for the Milwaukee-area flood. - Wisconsin applied for FEMA public assistance covering six counties, and that request was denied. - FEMA said payments have gone toward temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. Summary: The August Milwaukee-area flood is one of FEMA's costliest declared disasters in 2025, with large individual assistance payments and thousands of approved claims. Undetermined at this time.