Cass County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 48th
Cass County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 47.7, 48th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Cass County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 47.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 48th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Cass County's expected losses come from strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.33 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $762K in expected annual loss and about 2.39 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.42 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 52K.
Beyond physical exposure, Cass County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Cass County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 4 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Cass County ranks #45 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 4.33 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Medium | 2.39 / yr | $762K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.42 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.15 / yr | $4K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.21 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.46 / yr | $7M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $267K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 20.74 / yr | $60K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.28 / yr | $54K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.58 / yr | $231K |
| Lightning | Low | 38.12 / yr | $112K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $15K |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $7K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Cass County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (4), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Mi - Severe Weather 1/2 /99 |
| September 1980 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| February 1977 | Snowstorm | Snowstorms |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Cass County?
Cass County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 47.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 48th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Cass County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $1M EAL), Hail (Medium, $762K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Cass County compare to other Michigan counties?
Cass County ranks #45 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Cass County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Cass County since 1977, most often 4 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological 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. Cass County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.