Houghton County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Houghton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 24.3, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Houghton County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 24.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th 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 High risk — $346K in expected annual loss and about 35.29 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 2.72 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Low risk — $226K in expected annual loss and about 21.55 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 37K.
Beyond physical exposure, Houghton County has a very low 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Houghton County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 3 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Houghton County ranks #63 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | High | 35.29 / yr | $346K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.72 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 21.55 / yr | $226K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.75 / yr | $7M |
| Hail | Low | 0.65 / yr | $219K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.49 / yr | $5K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 0.80 / yr | $194K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.27 / yr | $96 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.25 / yr | $25K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $34K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Earthquake | 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
Houghton County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| June 2013 | Flood | Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Flood | Flooding |
| 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 Houghton County?
Houghton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 24.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Houghton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (High, $346K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Lightning (Low, $226K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Houghton County compare to other Michigan counties?
Houghton County ranks #63 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Houghton County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Houghton County since 1977, most often 3 for flood 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. Houghton County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.