Livingston County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 73th
Livingston County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 73.5, 73th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $55M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Livingston County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 73.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 73rd 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 strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 5.99 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at High risk — $14M in expected annual loss and about 0.28 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 2.63 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $55M in expected annual loss for a population of 194K.
Beyond physical exposure, Livingston County has a very low 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.
History supports the rating: Livingston 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 February 2024.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Livingston County ranks #17 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 5.99 / yr | $5M |
| Tornado | High | 0.28 / yr | $14M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.63 / yr | $7M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.80 / yr | $699K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.75 / yr | $27M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 3.37 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $5K |
| Hail | Low | 3.05 / yr | $653K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.47 / yr | $134K |
| Lightning | Low | 34.65 / yr | $474K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $435K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $38K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $14K |
| 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
Livingston County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1975, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in February 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (2), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2003 | Other | Power Outage |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| 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 Livingston County?
Livingston County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 73.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 73th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Livingston County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $5M EAL), Tornado (High, $14M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $7M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Livingston County compare to other Michigan counties?
Livingston County ranks #17 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Livingston County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Livingston 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 February 2024.
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. Livingston County's $55M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.