Midland County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Midland County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 71.9, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $32M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Midland County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 71.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd 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 Midland County's expected losses come from strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.11 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $484K in expected annual loss and about 10.42 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 2.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $32M in expected annual loss for a population of 83K.
Beyond physical exposure, Midland County has a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Midland County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1975, including 4 for flood events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (dam/levee break), declared in July 2020.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Midland County ranks #19 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 3.11 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | High | 10.42 / yr | $484K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.89 / yr | $5M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.19 / yr | $4M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.68 / yr | $18M |
| Hail | Medium | 1.96 / yr | $761K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.77 / yr | $123K |
| Lightning | Low | 30.55 / yr | $276K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.16 / yr | $434K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $126K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $22K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $320 |
| 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
Midland County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1975, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in July 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (4), Severe Storm (3), Dam/Levee Break (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2020 | Dam/Levee Break | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2020 | Dam/Levee Break | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2013 | Flood | Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| July 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 1986 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Midland County?
Midland County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 71.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Midland County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $484K EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Midland County compare to other Michigan counties?
Midland County ranks #19 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Midland County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Midland County since 1975, most often 4 for flood events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding, declared in July 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. Midland County's $32M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.