Dickinson County Disaster Risk
Dickinson County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% 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 2% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dickinson County, Michigan
Dickinson faces higher-than-average risk
Dickinson County's composite risk score of 59.29 with a 'Relatively Low' rating exceeds Michigan's 49.56 state average. While still manageable, Dickinson residents face notably higher disaster exposure than many U.S. counties.
Among Michigan's higher-risk counties
At 59.29, Dickinson ranks above Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the state's upper-risk tier. The county's composite score reflects multiple hazard types contributing to elevated overall exposure.
Riskier than most Upper Peninsula peers
Dickinson's 59.29 score surpasses Delta County (53.05), Chippewa County (26.30), and Crawford County (18.03), making it the Upper Peninsula's riskiest county. Only Eaton County statewide exceeds Dickinson's overall risk level.
Flooding is primary concern
Dickinson faces flood risk of 38.74, the county's dominant hazard, driven by its location along the Menominee River and exposure to snowmelt and heavy precipitation events. Multiple tornado risk of 25.80 and wildfire risk of 27.77 add secondary seasonal threats.
Secure comprehensive flood and storm coverage
Dickinson homeowners should obtain flood insurance through the NFIP, particularly those in river valleys or low-lying areas prone to seasonal inundation. Ensure your homeowner's policy includes adequate tornado and wind coverage for this Upper Peninsula county's moderate-to-high risk profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dickinson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dickinson County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Dickinson County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 59th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Dickinson County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Dickinson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (26th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Flood risk is Dickinson County's top hazard at the 39th percentile nationally. Households in or near designated flood zones face elevated financial exposure; flood insurance typically requires a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so applying before the season is advisable. Alongside flooding, wildfire exposure at the 28th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Households across Dickinson County should identify the nearest community shelter and keep a basic emergency kit — water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, and battery radio — in a location easy to grab quickly.
Regional Context
Dickinson County is 9.7 composite risk points above the Michigan average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Dickinson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dickinson County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Dickinson County?
How does Dickinson County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Dickinson County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dickinson County higher risk than average?
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.