Marquette County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 70th
Marquette County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 69.8, 70th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $26M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Marquette County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 69.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 70th 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 hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.88 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $13M in expected annual loss and about 4.63 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $375K in expected annual loss and about 30.82 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $26M in expected annual loss for a population of 66K.
Beyond physical exposure, Marquette 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: Marquette County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 3 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, Marquette County ranks #23 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 0.88 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | High | 4.63 / yr | $13M |
| Winter Weather | High | 30.82 / yr | $375K |
| Lightning | Medium | 23.16 / yr | $509K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $147K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.11 / yr | $8M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 0.98 / yr | $534K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.06 / yr | $62K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 1.13 / yr | $545 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $7K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $71K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $244K |
| Drought | Very Low | 2.86 / yr | $2K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | 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
Marquette County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Biological (2), Snowstorm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2013 | Flood | Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Flood | Flooding |
| May 1999 | Fire | Mi - Tower Lake Mountain Fire - 05/06/1999 |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Mi - Severe Weather 1/2 /99 |
| May 1994 | Freezing | Severe Deep Freeze |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Marquette County?
Marquette County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 69.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 70th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Marquette County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $3M EAL), Cold Wave (High, $13M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $375K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Marquette County compare to other Michigan counties?
Marquette County ranks #23 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Marquette County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Marquette County since 1977, most often 3 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. Marquette County's $26M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.