Leelanau County Disaster Risk
Leelanau County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% 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 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Leelanau County, Michigan
Leelanau County has below-average risk
With a composite risk score of 48.35, Leelanau County ranks as relatively low risk—essentially at Michigan's state average of 49.56. This cherry-growing county benefits from relatively balanced, moderate exposure across all major hazard types.
Near-average risk in Michigan
Leelanau County's composite risk score of 48.35 mirrors Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's hazard exposure spectrum. No single hazard dominates the county's risk profile.
More exposed than Lake County, safer than inland counties
Leelanau County's risk score of 48.35 exceeds Lake County (22.04) but lags behind Lapeer County (66.41) and Livingston County (73.47). Its lakeside location provides some protection while maintaining moderate baseline risk.
Flooding poses the primary threat
Leelanau County's flood risk of 42.14 is its highest score and represents the primary hazard concern for the county. Tornado risk remains modest at 19.15, while wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane risks all stay well below state maximums.
Standard coverage with flood consideration
Leelanau County's moderate risk level means standard homeowners insurance provides a solid foundation, but flood coverage deserves careful review given the 42.14 flood risk score. Properties in flood-prone areas or near the Great Lakes should prioritize NFIP flood insurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Leelanau County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Leelanau County
Risk Verdict
Leelanau County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. At the 48th percentile nationally, Leelanau County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Leelanau County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 19th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (15th percentile), hurricane (12th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Leelanau County's top natural hazard is flood risk, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally. Homeowners here should confirm whether they are in a FEMA-designated flood zone and check if standard homeowners insurance covers flood damage — it typically does not. The county's second-ranked hazard, tornado at the 19th percentile nationally, means Leelanau County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. For most Leelanau County households, the highest-return preparedness step is storing critical documents in digital cloud backup combined with a pre-designated family meeting point if communication is disrupted.
Regional Context
At just 1.2 composite points from the Michigan average, Leelanau County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Leelanau County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Leelanau County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Leelanau County?
How does Leelanau County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Leelanau County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Leelanau 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.