Charlevoix County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 22th
Charlevoix County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 22.3, 22th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Charlevoix County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 22.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 22nd 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 Charlevoix County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 1.41 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $5K in expected annual loss and about 0.21 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Low risk — $215K in expected annual loss and about 23.07 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 26K.
Beyond physical exposure, Charlevoix County has a low 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Charlevoix County has received 8 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, Charlevoix County ranks #66 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 1.41 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.21 / yr | $5K |
| Lightning | Low | 23.07 / yr | $215K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $4M |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.66 / yr | $129K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.63 / yr | $198K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $259K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.65 / yr | $51K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 34.67 / yr | $14K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $7K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Charlevoix County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (1), Severe Ice Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2025 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 1994 | Freezing | Severe Deep Freeze |
| 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 Charlevoix County?
Charlevoix County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 22.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 22th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Charlevoix County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $3M EAL), Landslide (Low, $5K EAL), Lightning (Low, $215K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Charlevoix County compare to other Michigan counties?
Charlevoix County ranks #66 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Charlevoix County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Charlevoix 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. Charlevoix County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.