Clinton County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 47th
Clinton County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 47.0, 47th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $24M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Clinton County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 47.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 47th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 4.66 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $6M in expected annual loss and about 0.27 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $767K in expected annual loss and about 2.49 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $24M in expected annual loss for a population of 79K.
Beyond physical exposure, Clinton County has a very 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 federal record bears this out: Clinton County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 3 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Clinton County ranks #48 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 4.66 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.27 / yr | $6M |
| Hail | Low | 2.49 / yr | $767K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.26 / yr | $3M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.59 / yr | $198K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.39 / yr | $11M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $932 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $33K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $152K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.16 / yr | $215K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 17.26 / yr | $46K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 32.94 / yr | $112K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $7K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | 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
Clinton County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (3), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| June 1998 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| September 1986 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| March 1976 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Icing & Flooding |
| April 1972 | Snowstorm | Severe Storm & Freezing |
| April 1965 | Tornado | Tornadoes & Severe Storms |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Clinton County?
Clinton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 47.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 47th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Clinton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $3M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $6M EAL), Hail (Low, $767K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Clinton County compare to other Michigan counties?
Clinton County ranks #48 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Clinton County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Clinton County since 1965, most often 3 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. Clinton County's $24M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.