Muskegon County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 70th
Muskegon County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 70.1, 70th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and tornado exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $28M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Muskegon County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 70.1 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 strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 1.77 events per year; tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.27 events per year; and riverine flood (rivers and streams overflowing their banks after heavy rain or snowmelt) at Medium risk — $17M in expected annual loss and about 0.43 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $28M in expected annual loss for a population of 176K.
Beyond physical exposure, Muskegon 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.
History supports the rating: Muskegon County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1975, including 5 for flood events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (flood), declared in June 2026.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Muskegon County ranks #21 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 1.77 / yr | $3M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.27 / yr | $4M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.43 / yr | $17M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.04 / yr | $245K |
| Lightning | Medium | 31.07 / yr | $482K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 1.79 / yr | $636K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 0.89 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 1.03 / yr | $264K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $246K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $1K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 29.71 / yr | $42K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $7K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $7K |
| Avalanche | 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
Muskegon County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1975, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Flood (5), Severe Storm (3), Snowstorm (3).
| 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 |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Mi - Severe Weather 1/2 /99 |
| June 1998 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms |
| 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 Muskegon County?
Muskegon County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 70.1 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 Muskegon County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $3M EAL), Tornado (Medium, $4M EAL), Riverine Flood (Medium, $17M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Muskegon County compare to other Michigan counties?
Muskegon County ranks #21 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Muskegon County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Muskegon County since 1975, most often 5 for flood events and 3 for severe storm 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. Muskegon County's $28M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.