Roscommon County Disaster Risk
Roscommon County, Michigan
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
of 83 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% 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 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Roscommon County, Michigan
Roscommon faces elevated national disaster risk
Roscommon County's composite risk score of 56.68 ranks it as Relatively Low but still above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county confronts a meaningful hazard profile driven by its forest landscape and geographic position.
Riskier than state average but manageable
Roscommon's score of 56.68 exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, positioning it in the higher half of the state's risk counties. The county's forest coverage and location in Michigan's central region account for this elevated profile.
Significantly riskier than nearby rural counties
Roscommon (56.68) faces substantially higher risk than neighboring Otsego (18.42), Oscoda (15.14), and Osceola (23.92). Only Ottawa County (82.89) to the east surpasses Roscommon's composite risk in this eight-county comparison.
Wildfire and flood are dual concerns
Wildfire risk (69.72) and flood risk (71.88) are nearly equal threats in Roscommon, both well above state averages. Tornado risk (47.07) is also elevated, while earthquake and hurricane risks remain modest in comparison.
Comprehensive protection addresses dual hazards
Roscommon residents should prioritize wildfire defensibility—clearing 30 feet around homes and removing dead vegetation—while also maintaining flood insurance for properties in mapped zones or near waterways. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wind damage and confirm coverage limits match your home's replacement cost.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Roscommon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Roscommon County
Risk Verdict
At the 57th percentile nationally, Roscommon County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Roscommon County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Roscommon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (47th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Roscommon County's dominant hazard is flooding, ranked at the 72th 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 70th percentile nationally, means Roscommon County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Roscommon 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
Roscommon County falls 7.1 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 Roscommon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Roscommon County, MI?
What types of natural hazards affect Roscommon County?
How does Roscommon County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Is Roscommon County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Roscommon 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.