riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Chippewa County Disaster Risk

Chippewa County, Michigan

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

26th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#59

of 83 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

50th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 50% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 75% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 7% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 16% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Chippewa County, Michigan

Chippewa ranks among safest counties

With a composite risk score of 26.30 and a 'Very Low' rating, Chippewa County sits well below the national average, making it one of Michigan's lower-risk communities. Most U.S. counties experience significantly higher overall disaster exposure, giving Chippewa residents notably better odds of avoiding major natural hazards.

Lowest risk in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Chippewa's score of 26.30 ranks it among the safest counties statewide—far below Michigan's 49.56 state average. The county's very low composite rating reflects consistently minimal exposure to the state's most common disaster threats.

Safer than nearby UP counties

Chippewa's 26.30 risk score significantly outperforms its Upper Peninsula neighbors: Delta County (53.05), Dickinson County (59.29), and Emmet County (38.14). This geographic advantage makes Chippewa one of the most secure areas in Michigan's northern region.

Wildfire and flooding demand attention

Despite overall low risk, Chippewa faces elevated wildfire risk at 75.41—among the highest in the state—due to extensive forest coverage and seasonal dry conditions. Flood risk of 49.90 also warrants preparedness, as spring snowmelt and intense summer storms can overwhelm local drainage systems.

Prepare for wildfire and water damage

Chippewa residents should secure comprehensive homeowner's insurance that covers wildfire and flood damage, especially those in forested areas or near waterways. Consider adding a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if your home is in a flood-prone zone.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Chippewa County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    75th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    50th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    16th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Chippewa County

Risk Verdict

Chippewa County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 26th percentile nationally. Even at the 26th percentile, Chippewa County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Chippewa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (16th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile), tornado (7th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Wildfire is Chippewa County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 75th percentile nationally. Chippewa County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary flood exposure at the 50th percentile nationally means Chippewa County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Chippewa County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.

Regional Context

The Michigan county average exceeds Chippewa County's score by 23.3 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Chippewa County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Chippewa County, MI?
Chippewa County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 26th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Chippewa County?
Chippewa County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (75th percentile), flooding (50th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile), tornado (7th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 75th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Chippewa County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Chippewa County's composite risk percentile is 26th, compared to the Michigan state average of 50th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Chippewa County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Michigan.
Is Chippewa County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Chippewa County's wildfire risk is at the 75th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Chippewa County is at the 50th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Chippewa County a safe place to live?
Chippewa County's composite risk score of 26th percentile is below the Michigan state average of 50th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 75th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Antrim County

Michigan

-0.5

Very Low

26th percentile

Gogebic County

Michigan

-0.7

Very Low

26th percentile

Mason County

Michigan

-1.0

Very Low

25th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data Source

Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.

Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.

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