Ogemaw County Disaster Risk
Ogemaw County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#55
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ogemaw County, Michigan
Ogemaw's risk: well below national average
With a composite risk score of 36.96, Ogemaw County ranks as Very Low—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This score reflects a county where natural disaster hazards pose minimal threat to homes and communities across the region.
Among Michigan's safest counties
Ogemaw's score of 36.96 sits well below Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the safer tier of Michigan counties. The county benefits from a geographic profile that limits exposure to most major natural disaster types.
Comparable to nearby northern Michigan counties
Ogemaw's risk profile mirrors its neighbors—Osceola County (23.92) and Otsego County (18.42) are similarly protected. All three counties experience much lower composite risk than Ottawa County (82.89) to the south, which faces significantly higher tornado and flood threats.
Wildfire and flood pose modest threats
Wildfire risk (61.39) is Ogemaw's most elevated hazard, though still manageable with standard precautions. Flood risk (43.13) and tornado risk (36.20) round out the county's exposure profile, each remaining below statewide averages.
Standard homeowner coverage suffices here
Ogemaw residents should maintain standard homeowner's insurance, which covers wind and weather events, along with basic wildfire defensibility measures around their property. Given the county's low composite risk, catastrophic coverage is generally unnecessary, though flood insurance makes sense in mapped flood zones.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ogemaw County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ogemaw County
Risk Verdict
Ogemaw County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 37th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 37th percentile nationally, Ogemaw County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ogemaw County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 61th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (36th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Ogemaw County's primary hazard at the 61th percentile nationally. For Ogemaw County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary flood exposure at the 43th percentile nationally means Ogemaw County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Ogemaw County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Michigan county average, Ogemaw County's composite score runs 12.6 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Ogemaw County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ogemaw County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Ogemaw County?
How does Ogemaw County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Ogemaw County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ogemaw 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.