Hillsdale County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 50th
Hillsdale County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 50.0, 50th national percentile), driven primarily by tornado and lightning exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hillsdale County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 50.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 50th 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 Hillsdale County's expected losses come from tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.31 events per year; lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $502K in expected annual loss and about 36.89 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $538K in expected annual loss and about 3.15 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 46K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hillsdale 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Hillsdale County has received 9 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, Hillsdale County ranks #43 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Tornado | Medium | 0.31 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Medium | 36.89 / yr | $502K |
| Hail | Medium | 3.15 / yr | $538K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.11 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.38 / yr | $656K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.67 / yr | $118K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $2K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.18 / yr | $7M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $236K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.53 / yr | $181K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.37 / yr | $36K |
| Drought | Low | 0.34 / yr | $36K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $15K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Hillsdale County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (3), Biological (2), Tornado (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| September 2003 | Other | Power Outage |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| February 1977 | Snowstorm | Snowstorms |
| April 1974 | Tornado | Tornadoes |
| April 1965 | Tornado | Tornadoes & Severe Storms |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hillsdale County?
Hillsdale County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 50.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 50th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hillsdale County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Tornado (Medium, $3M EAL), Lightning (Medium, $502K EAL), Hail (Medium, $538K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hillsdale County compare to other Michigan counties?
Hillsdale County ranks #43 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hillsdale County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Hillsdale 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. Hillsdale County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.