Keweenaw County Disaster Risk
Keweenaw County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
1th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#83
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
15th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Keweenaw County, Michigan
Keweenaw County has minimal disaster risk
With a composite risk score of just 0.67, Keweenaw County ranks as very low risk—among the safest counties in the nation. This score reflects the county's remote Upper Peninsula location and natural protection from most hazard types.
Michigan's safest county
Keweenaw County's composite risk score of 0.67 is by far the lowest in Michigan, making it the state's least hazard-exposed county. The county faces virtually no risk from tornadoes, earthquakes, or hurricanes.
Exceptionally safe compared to peers
Keweenaw County's risk score of 0.67 is dramatically lower than neighboring Luce County (2.58) and Lake County (22.04), reflecting its unique geographic isolation. Even the safest Lower Peninsula counties face significantly more natural disaster exposure.
Flood and wildfire risks are minimal
Keweenaw County's highest risk scores are flood (14.80) and wildfire (15.30), both remaining well below state averages. Tornado risk is nearly nonexistent at 1.78, and earthquake and hurricane risks register at zero.
Standard homeowners insurance suffices
Keweenaw County's minimal disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most property owners. Residents can prioritize affordability and basic coverage without the additional riders often necessary in higher-risk areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Keweenaw County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Keweenaw County
Risk Verdict
Keweenaw County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 1th percentile nationally. Residents of Keweenaw County can use the 1th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Keweenaw County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 15th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 15th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (2th percentile), earthquake (0th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 15th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Keweenaw County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. The county's flood exposure at the 15th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Keweenaw County residents.
Regional Context
Keweenaw County falls 48.9 points below Michigan's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Keweenaw County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Keweenaw County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Keweenaw County?
How does Keweenaw County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Keweenaw County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Keweenaw 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.