Crawford County Disaster Risk
Crawford County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#72
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% 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 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Crawford County, Michigan
Crawford is Michigan's safest county
Crawford County's composite risk score of 18.03 with a 'Very Low' rating makes it one of America's lowest-risk counties. This exceptional safety profile puts Crawford residents among the most protected from natural disasters nationally.
Lowest risk ranking statewide
Crawford's 18.03 score is the lowest among all Michigan counties, dramatically below the state average of 49.56. The county's very low composite rating reflects minimal exposure to nearly all major natural hazards.
Safest in Michigan's north-central region
Crawford's 18.03 risk score significantly outperforms all surrounding counties: Chippewa (26.30), Clare (47.46), Oscoda, and other neighbors. This makes Crawford the undisputed safest zone in Michigan's north-central interior.
Wildfire poses main seasonal threat
Despite very low overall risk, Crawford's wildfire risk score of 75.22 reflects extensive forest coverage that requires vigilance during dry seasons. Tornado risk of 26.34 presents a secondary concern during spring severe weather, though well below state averages.
Focus on wildfire and basic coverage
Crawford residents should prioritize wildfire insurance if their homes sit near forested areas, as this represents the county's primary natural hazard. Standard homeowner's insurance with adequate coverage limits provides solid protection for this very-low-risk county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Crawford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Crawford County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Crawford County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 18th percentile. Crawford County's 18th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Crawford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (26th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 75th percentile nationally for wildfire, Crawford County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. A secondary flood exposure at the 36th percentile nationally means Crawford County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Crawford County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Crawford County is 31.5 composite risk points below the Michigan state mean, meaning most other Michigan counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Crawford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Crawford County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Crawford County?
How does Crawford County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Crawford County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Crawford 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.