Van Buren County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 60th
Van Buren County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 60.5, 60th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $20M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Van Buren County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 60.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 60th 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 Van Buren County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 1.86 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.66 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $537K in expected annual loss and about 0.96 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $20M in expected annual loss for a population of 76K.
Beyond physical exposure, Van Buren 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Van Buren County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 4 for snowstorm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Van Buren County ranks #31 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 1.86 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | High | 3.66 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.96 / yr | $537K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.40 / yr | $3M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.36 / yr | $9M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 28.95 / yr | $86K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.26 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $2K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $304K |
| Lightning | Low | 35.87 / yr | $242K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.68 / yr | $267K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $13K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $1K |
| 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
Van Buren County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (4), Flood (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 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 |
| September 1986 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| September 1980 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| May 1980 | Tornado | Severe Storms & Tornadoes |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Van Buren County?
Van Buren County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 60.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 60th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Van Buren County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $3M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Ice Storm (High, $537K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Van Buren County compare to other Michigan counties?
Van Buren County ranks #31 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Van Buren County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Van Buren County since 1973, most often 4 for snowstorm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 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. Van Buren County's $20M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.