Clare County Disaster Risk
Clare County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
47th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
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
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clare County, Michigan
Clare's risk mirrors Michigan's state average
Clare County's composite risk score of 47.46 sits just slightly below Michigan's 49.56 state average, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating. While safer than many U.S. counties, Clare faces moderate disaster exposure compared to national standards.
Middle-of-the-road risk for Michigan
At 47.46, Clare ranks near the statewide average of 49.56, placing it in Michigan's moderate-risk tier. The county experiences a balanced mix of hazard types rather than domination by any single threat.
Slightly lower risk than surrounding counties
Clare's 47.46 score edges out nearby Crawford County (18.03) in overall risk but sits below Eaton County (67.62) and Dickinson County (59.29). This positioning reflects Clare's geographic location in central Michigan's relatively stable zone.
Tornado and flood risks dominate
Clare faces tornado risk of 58.05—well above state average—making severe thunderstorms its primary seasonal threat. Flood risk of 50.06 adds secondary concern, especially in areas near the Tobacco River and during heavy spring runoff periods.
Prioritize tornado and flood coverage
Clare homeowners should ensure their policies explicitly cover tornado damage and high winds, as standard homeowner's insurance may exclude some storm damage. Adding flood insurance through the NFIP is essential if your property sits in a flood zone or near local waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clare County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clare County
Risk Verdict
Clare County ranks at the 47th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Clare County's favorable 47th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Clare County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (43th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Clare County ranks at the 58th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Clare County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 50th percentile nationally means Clare County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Clare County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.1 points from the Michigan average, making Clare County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Clare County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clare County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Clare County?
How does Clare County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Clare County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clare County a safe place to live?
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.