Menominee County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 44th
Menominee County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 44.4, 44th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Menominee County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 44.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 44th 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 Menominee County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 4.00 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $414K in expected annual loss and about 1.08 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Medium risk — $310K in expected annual loss and about 26.49 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 23K.
Beyond physical exposure, Menominee County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Menominee County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1973, 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, Menominee County ranks #50 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.00 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | Low | 1.08 / yr | $414K |
| Lightning | Medium | 26.49 / yr | $310K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $2K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.43 / yr | $55K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.36 / yr | $5M |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $10K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.02 / yr | $31K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.14 / yr | $440K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.14 / yr | $234K |
| Drought | Very Low | 1.25 / yr | $3K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.37 / yr | $28K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| 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
Menominee County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), 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 |
| August 2018 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| March 1977 | Drought | Drought |
| April 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Menominee County?
Menominee County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 44.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 44th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Menominee County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL), Hail (Low, $414K EAL), Lightning (Medium, $310K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Menominee County compare to other Michigan counties?
Menominee County ranks #50 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Menominee County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Menominee County since 1973, 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. Menominee County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.