Benzie County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 23th
Benzie County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 22.7, 23th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Benzie County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 22.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 23rd 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $292K in expected annual loss and about 29.58 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.84 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $6K in expected annual loss and about 0.14 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Benzie County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Benzie County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 1 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Benzie County ranks #65 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 29.58 / yr | $292K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 0.84 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.14 / yr | $6K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.18 / yr | $4M |
| Lightning | Low | 24.94 / yr | $94K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.82 / yr | $149K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $173K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.74 / yr | $39K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.69 / yr | $28K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $1K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Benzie County has received 6 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (1), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 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 Benzie County?
Benzie County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 22.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 23th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Benzie County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $292K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Landslide (Low, $6K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Benzie County compare to other Michigan counties?
Benzie County ranks #65 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Benzie County had?
FEMA records 6 federal disaster declarations for Benzie County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in June 2026.
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. Benzie County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.