Iron County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 55th
Iron County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 55.1, 55th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Iron County at low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 55.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 55th 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.
Risk here concentrates in cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 6.26 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $497K in expected annual loss and about 1.18 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $41K in expected annual loss and about 16.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 12K.
Beyond physical exposure, Iron County has a very 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: Iron County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, 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, Iron County ranks #39 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 6.26 / yr | $10M |
| Hail | Medium | 1.18 / yr | $497K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.00 / yr | $41K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $23K |
| Lightning | Low | 25.68 / yr | $115K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.30 / yr | $182K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.43 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Very Low | 3.15 / yr | $8K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $139K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $60 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $13K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $879 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Iron County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (2), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Flood | Flooding |
| 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 Iron County?
Iron County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 55.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 55th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Iron County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $10M EAL), Hail (Medium, $497K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $41K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Iron County compare to other Michigan counties?
Iron County ranks #39 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Iron County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Iron County since 1977, 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. Iron County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.