Michigan natural disaster risk
Michigan ranks #27 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are strong wind, cold wave, tornado.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Michigan's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne County | 1,772,259 | 99.0 | Relatively High |
| Oakland County | 1,279,825 | 97.5 | Relatively High |
| Macomb County | 879,853 | 96.7 | Relatively High |
| Kent County | 663,150 | 92.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Genesee County | 403,305 | 92.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Washtenaw County | 369,822 | 89.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ottawa County | 301,203 | 82.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ingham County | 283,913 | 87.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Kalamazoo County | 262,375 | 81.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Livingston County | 195,833 | 73.5 | Relatively Low |
| Saginaw County | 188,665 | 88.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Muskegon County | 175,961 | 70.1 | Relatively Low |
| St. Clair County | 160,221 | 82.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Jackson County | 160,060 | 76.5 | Relatively Low |
| Monroe County | 155,505 | 82.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Berrien County | 153,288 | 81.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Calhoun County | 133,778 | 74.5 | Relatively Low |
| Allegan County | 121,456 | 68.5 | Relatively Low |
| Eaton County | 109,130 | 67.6 | Relatively Low |
| Bay County | 103,008 | 78.2 | Relatively Low |
| Lenawee County | 98,415 | 69.9 | Relatively Low |
| Grand Traverse County | 96,166 | 65.6 | Relatively Low |
| Lapeer County | 88,837 | 66.4 | Relatively Low |
| Midland County | 83,757 | 71.9 | Relatively Low |
| Clinton County | 79,626 | 47.0 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Michigan
- Otsego County 18.4
- Charlevoix County 22.3
- Osceola County 23.9
- Houghton County 24.3
- Mason County 25.3
- Antrim County 25.8
- Chippewa County 26.3
- Alpena County 28.3
Cities in Michigan
- Detroit, MI risk 95.7
- Grand Rapids, MI risk 83.1
- Ann Arbor, MI risk 89.3
Frequently asked questions
Is Michigan safe from natural disasters?
Michigan's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 82.1 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #27 of 51 from safest. About 39% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Michigan?
The highest relative risks in Michigan are strong wind, cold wave, tornado (national percentile scores 91, 88, 87).
Where is the safest place to live in Michigan?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Otsego County, Charlevoix County, Osceola County.