Cheboygan County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 59th
Cheboygan County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 59.5, 59th national percentile), driven primarily by riverine flood and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $15M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Cheboygan County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 59.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 59th 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 Cheboygan County's expected losses come from riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $13M in expected annual loss and about 0.11 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.00 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $3K in expected annual loss and about 0.14 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $15M in expected annual loss for a population of 26K.
Beyond physical exposure, Cheboygan County has a very 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Cheboygan 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, Cheboygan County ranks #32 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.11 / yr | $13M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.00 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.14 / yr | $3K |
| Lightning | Low | 22.61 / yr | $158K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $8K |
| Hail | Low | 0.68 / yr | $111K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $279K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 27.58 / yr | $16K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.68 / yr | $51K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.61 / yr | $108K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $2K |
| 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
Cheboygan 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 Cheboygan County?
Cheboygan County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 59.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 59th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Cheboygan County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Riverine Flood (Medium, $13M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Landslide (Low, $3K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Cheboygan County compare to other Michigan counties?
Cheboygan County ranks #32 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Cheboygan County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Cheboygan 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. Cheboygan County's $15M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.