Baraga County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 11th
Baraga County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 10.7, 11th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Baraga County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 10.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 11th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Baraga County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 4.79 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $403K in expected annual loss and about 0.83 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $48K in expected annual loss and about 27.17 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Baraga County has a high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Baraga County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Baraga County ranks #77 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.79 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 0.83 / yr | $403K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 27.17 / yr | $48K |
| Lightning | Low | 22.53 / yr | $88K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.44 / yr | $127 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.98 / yr | $154K |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.92 / yr | $3K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.43 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $5K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $9K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $22K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Baraga County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2013 | Flood | Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Flood | Flooding |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| March 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Baraga County?
Baraga County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 10.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 11th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Baraga County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Hail (Low, $403K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $48K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Baraga County compare to other Michigan counties?
Baraga County ranks #77 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Baraga County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Baraga County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 2020.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Baraga County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.