Montmorency County Disaster Risk
Montmorency County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#74
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Montmorency County, Michigan
Montmorency is among the safest counties
Montmorency County's composite risk score of 15.87 places it in the "Very Low" category, representing minimal exposure to major natural disasters compared to the national average. The county faces roughly one-sixth the typical disaster risk of the average U.S. county.
Second-safest county in Michigan
Only Missaukee County (11.10) ranks lower in disaster risk than Montmorency's 15.87, making it one of Michigan's two safest communities. This score is 68% below the state average of 49.56, reflecting exceptionally low hazard exposure across the region.
Safer than most surrounding areas
Montmorency's 15.87 score ranks second-lowest in the state and is comparable only to Missaukee County (11.10) nearby; surrounding counties like Montcalm (56.87) and Muskegon (70.10) face substantially higher risks. The county occupies a rare low-risk pocket in north-central Michigan.
Wildfire is the notable concern
Wildfire risk of 60.37 is Montmorency's highest hazard score, though it remains below state and national averages for wildfire exposure. Tornado risk of 20.99 and flood risk of 38.77 are both relatively low, while earthquake risk is minimal at 6.30.
Basic homeowners insurance suffices
Montmorency County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance with routine maintenance provides adequate protection for most residents. Those living in forested areas should ensure wildfire coverage is included and maintain defensible space around structures as a precaution.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Montmorency County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Montmorency County
Risk Verdict
At the 16th percentile nationally, Montmorency County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Montmorency County's 16th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Montmorency County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (21th percentile), hurricane (18th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Montmorency County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Montmorency County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's flood exposure at the 39th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Montmorency County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 33.7 points below the Michigan state average puts Montmorency County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Montmorency County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Montmorency County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Montmorency County?
How does Montmorency County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Montmorency County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Montmorency 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.