Crawford County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 18th
Crawford County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 18.0, 18th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Crawford County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 18.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 18th 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 Medium risk — $200K in expected annual loss and about 28.26 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $207K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $291K in expected annual loss and about 25.97 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 13K.
Beyond physical exposure, Crawford County has a 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 federal record bears this out: Crawford County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1975, including 2 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Crawford County ranks #72 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Medium | 28.26 / yr | $200K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $207K |
| Lightning | Medium | 25.97 / yr | $291K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.89 / yr | $742K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $906 |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.04 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Very Low | 1.23 / yr | $106K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.10 / yr | $311K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.14 / yr | $168K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.74 / yr | $16K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $3K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| 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
Crawford County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1975, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (2), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| 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 |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Mi - Severe Weather 1/2 /99 |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| March 1977 | Drought | Drought |
| April 1975 | Flood | Severe Storms, High Winds & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Crawford County?
Crawford County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 18.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 18th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Crawford County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Medium, $200K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $207K EAL), Lightning (Medium, $291K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Crawford County compare to other Michigan counties?
Crawford County ranks #72 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Crawford County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Crawford County since 1975, most often 2 for flood events and 2 for biological 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. Crawford County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.