Manistee County Disaster Risk
Manistee County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% 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 20% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Manistee County, Michigan
Manistee County maintains low national disaster risk
Manistee County's composite risk score of 37.21 with a "Very Low" rating places it well below the national median for natural disasters. Residents here enjoy substantially lower hazard exposure than the typical American county.
Well below Michigan's average risk level
At 37.21, Manistee County scores significantly better than Michigan's state average of 49.56. The county ranks among Michigan's safer communities for disaster preparedness and resilience.
Lower risk than many West Michigan peers
Manistee County's score of 37.21 outperforms several neighboring counties in the western Lower Peninsula. Compared to Mecosta County (69.85) and Midland County (71.95) to the east, Manistee offers notably lower combined risk.
Flooding poses the primary concern
Flood risk (56.87) represents Manistee County's highest hazard, likely due to its proximity to Lake Michigan and coastal geography. Tornado risk (20.36) and wildfire risk (28.21) are secondary concerns, but remain manageable.
Prioritize flood coverage for waterfront properties
Manistee residents with homes near water or in flood-prone zones should secure dedicated flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. For inland properties, basic homeowners coverage with occasional weather preparedness reviews provides solid protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Manistee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Manistee County
Risk Verdict
Manistee County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 37th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Manistee County residents can take confidence from a 37th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Manistee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (20th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), earthquake (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Manistee County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 57th percentile nationally. In addition to flood insurance, residents should identify their nearest evacuation shelter and store key documents in waterproof containers. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 28th percentile nationally, means Manistee County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Manistee County's county emergency management office publishes hazard-specific guidance tailored to local conditions; bookmarking that resource and the county's alert system is a practical first step for any household.
Regional Context
Compared to the Michigan county average, Manistee County's composite score runs 12.3 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Manistee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Manistee County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Manistee County?
How does Manistee County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Manistee County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Manistee 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.