Missaukee County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 11th
Missaukee County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 11.1, 11th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Missaukee County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 11.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 11th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Missaukee County's expected losses come from winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $203K in expected annual loss and about 24.26 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 1.79 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $262K in expected annual loss and about 1.27 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Missaukee County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Missaukee County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, including 2 for biological events and 1 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Missaukee County ranks #76 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Medium | 24.26 / yr | $203K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.79 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 1.27 / yr | $262K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $1K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.38 / yr | $427K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $20K |
| Lightning | Low | 27.24 / yr | $100K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $379K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $3M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.19 / yr | $8K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.84 / yr | $21K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| 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
Missaukee County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1977, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (1), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| 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 Missaukee County?
Missaukee County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 11.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 11th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Missaukee County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Medium, $203K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $1M EAL), Hail (Low, $262K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Missaukee County compare to other Michigan counties?
Missaukee County ranks #76 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Missaukee County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Missaukee County since 1977, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for flood 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. Missaukee County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.