Ontonagon County Disaster Risk
Ontonagon County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
4th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#81
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
15th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ontonagon County, Michigan
Ontonagon: Michigan's safest county
With a composite risk score of just 4.20, Ontonagon County ranks among the safest places in the nation for natural disasters. This Very Low rating reflects minimal exposure to the full spectrum of hazard types that threaten most American counties.
Far below state average for safety
Ontonagon's score of 4.20 is less than one-tenth Michigan's state average of 49.56, making it one of the lowest-risk counties in the state. The county's remote Upper Peninsula location provides natural protection from major disaster pathways.
Safest in the Upper Peninsula region
Ontonagon significantly outperforms neighboring Gogebic and Houghton counties, with virtually no earthquake (0.00) or hurricane risk (0.00) recorded. Even compared to other rural northern counties like Oscoda (15.14), Ontonagon remains exceptionally well-protected.
Wildfire is the only notable concern
Wildfire risk (31.58) is Ontonagon's sole measurable hazard, though even this remains modest. All other disaster types—earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes—pose negligible or zero threat to county residents.
Basic homeowner's insurance covers your needs
Ontonagon residents can rely on standard homeowner's insurance without need for specialized disaster coverage. Simple wildfire prevention around your home—clearing brush and maintaining defensible space—provides adequate protection in this remarkably safe county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ontonagon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ontonagon County
Risk Verdict
Ontonagon County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 4th percentile nationally. The 4th percentile national ranking is one lens; Ontonagon County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ontonagon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 32th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 15th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (7th percentile), earthquake (0th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Ontonagon County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 32th percentile nationally. Ontonagon County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's flood exposure at the 15th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Ontonagon County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Michigan county average exceeds Ontonagon County's score by 45.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Ontonagon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ontonagon County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Ontonagon County?
How does Ontonagon County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Ontonagon County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ontonagon 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.