Monroe County Disaster Risk
Monroe County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
87th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County, Michigan
Monroe County faces moderate disaster risk
Monroe County's composite risk score of 82.47 places it well above the national average, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating that signals elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards. This score is 66% higher than the national typical county, reflecting significant vulnerabilities across the region.
Highest-risk county in Michigan
Monroe County's 82.47 score makes it the most disaster-prone county in Michigan, dramatically exceeding the state average of 49.56 by 66%. No other Michigan county faces comparable combined exposure to floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
Significantly riskier than nearby areas
Monroe County's risk score of 82.47 far exceeds Oakland County (97.52 is higher—clarification: Oakland is actually the state's highest), making Monroe the second-most dangerous county in the state. Neighboring counties present notably lower risk profiles, with Monroe standing out as a clear hazard hotspot in southeast Michigan.
Tornadoes and floods dominate the hazard profile
Tornado risk reaches 89.25, the second-highest threat, while flood risk of 87.37 creates dual exposure to water and wind damage—both scores are among Michigan's worst. Earthquake risk of 73.31 adds a third significant hazard that residents must plan for.
Comprehensive coverage is essential in Monroe
Monroe County residents urgently need robust homeowners insurance plus separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude flood damage and Monroe faces exceptional flood risk. Tornado and wind coverage riders are also critical given the county's 89.25 tornado score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Monroe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Monroe County
Risk Verdict
Monroe County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 82th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Monroe County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Monroe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 87th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (73th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Monroe County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 89th percentile nationally. In Monroe County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary flood hazard at the 87th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Monroe County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Monroe County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Monroe County households.
Regional Context
Monroe County falls 32.9 points above Michigan's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Monroe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Monroe County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Monroe County?
How does Monroe County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Monroe County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Monroe 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.