Gogebic County Disaster Risk
Gogebic County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gogebic County, Michigan
Gogebic ranks among America's safest counties
Gogebic County's composite risk score of 25.60 places it in the "Very Low" category, significantly below both Michigan's state average of 49.56 and the national median. This upper-peninsula location benefits from geographic isolation and a hazard profile dominated by minimal earthquake and hurricane exposure. Residents here enjoy some of the lowest natural disaster risk in the entire Midwest.
Michigan's second-safest county
Gogebic ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Michigan, second only to a handful of similarly remote upper-peninsula locations. Its 25.60 score is less than half of Michigan's state average, reflecting remarkably low exposure across all major hazard categories. This positioning makes Gogebic one of the most disaster-resilient areas in the state.
Safer than surrounding upper-peninsula counties
Gogebic's 25.60 score places it slightly below Houghton County (24.30) and well below Grand Traverse County (65.65) in northern Michigan. Iron County and Marquette County, also in the upper peninsula, typically report similarly low-risk profiles. This consistent safety across the region reflects the upper peninsula's geographic distance from major storm and seismic zones.
Flooding is the only notable concern
Gogebic's flood risk of 30.18 is its highest hazard score; all other categories score below 20. Tornado, wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane risks are negligible by national standards. Snow and winter weather, while not captured in this risk model, remain the primary natural hazard residents should prepare for.
Basic precautions provide ample protection
Gogebic residents need standard homeowners insurance with attention to winter storm coverage rather than flood insurance or seismic reinforcement. Maintain gutters and proper drainage to prevent localized basement flooding during spring snowmelt and heavy rains. An annual roof inspection before winter will protect against snow-load damage, the primary weather threat in this region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gogebic County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gogebic County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Gogebic County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 26th percentile. Even at the 26th percentile, Gogebic County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Gogebic County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 30th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 19th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (14th percentile), earthquake (1th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 30th percentile nationally, Gogebic County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 19th percentile nationally, means Gogebic County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Gogebic County households.
Regional Context
Gogebic County is 24.0 composite risk points below the Michigan state mean, meaning most other Michigan counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Gogebic County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gogebic County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Gogebic County?
How does Gogebic County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Gogebic County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Gogebic 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.