Dickinson County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 59th
Dickinson County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 59.3, 59th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $21M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Dickinson County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 59.3 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $14M in expected annual loss and about 5.37 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $892K in expected annual loss and about 1.18 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $298K in expected annual loss and about 26.58 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $21M in expected annual loss for a population of 26K.
Beyond physical exposure, Dickinson County has a medium 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: Dickinson County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 1 for hurricane events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Dickinson County ranks #33 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 5.37 / yr | $14M |
| Hail | Medium | 1.18 / yr | $892K |
| Lightning | Medium | 26.58 / yr | $298K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.22 / yr | $69K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.43 / yr | $5M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $385K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $195 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.26 / yr | $234K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $16K |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.64 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $29K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Dickinson County has received 5 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Hurricane (1), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 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 Dickinson County?
Dickinson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 59.3 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 Dickinson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $14M EAL), Hail (Medium, $892K EAL), Lightning (Medium, $298K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Dickinson County compare to other Michigan counties?
Dickinson County ranks #33 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Dickinson County had?
FEMA records 5 federal disaster declarations for Dickinson County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for hurricane 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. Dickinson County's $21M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.