riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Wexford County Disaster Risk

Wexford County, Michigan

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

34th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#56

of 83 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

45th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 41% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 17% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Wexford County, Michigan

Wexford enjoys very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 33.91, Wexford County sits well below Michigan's state average of 49.56 and earns a very low risk classification. This favorable position means residents face substantially less natural disaster exposure than most Michigan communities.

Among Michigan's safest counties

Wexford County's 33.91 composite score places it comfortably in Michigan's lower-risk tier, roughly two-thirds below the state average. The county's geographic and climatic characteristics create a naturally protective environment compared to most other Michigan jurisdictions.

Wexford clearly outperforms regional peers

Wexford's 33.91 risk score is dramatically lower than Washtenaw County's 89.28 and Wayne County's 98.95, making it substantially safer than both neighbors. This significant gap reflects Wexford's relative geographic and climatic advantage in the Michigan natural hazard landscape.

Modest tornado exposure leads locally

Tornado risk of 32.06 represents Wexford's highest hazard score, though it remains below state norms, while flood risk at 45.01 poses secondary concern. Earthquake and hurricane risks score even lower at 16.92 and 13.81 respectively, indicating genuinely limited natural disaster exposure countywide.

Standard coverage meets Wexford needs

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers Wexford's primary risks, though tornado awareness remains prudent given the 32.06 tornado score. A basic emergency kit and community alert subscription provide cost-effective protection for this low-risk county.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Wexford County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    FloodPrepare
    45th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    41th percentile
  3. #3
    TornadoPrepare
    32th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Wexford County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Wexford County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 34th percentile. A 34th percentile score positions Wexford County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Flood risk is Wexford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (32th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 45th percentile nationally, Wexford County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 41th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Wexford County households.

Regional Context

Wexford County is 15.7 composite risk points below the Michigan state mean, meaning most other Michigan counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Wexford County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Wexford County, MI?
Wexford County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 34th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Wexford County?
Wexford County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: flooding (45th percentile), wildfire (41th percentile), tornado (32th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is flooding at the 45th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Wexford County risk compare to the Michigan average?
Wexford County's composite risk percentile is 34th, compared to the Michigan state average of 50th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Wexford County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Michigan.
Is Wexford County at risk for flooding?
Yes, Wexford County's flooding risk is at the 45th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Wexford County a safe place to live?
Wexford County's composite risk score of 34th percentile is below the Michigan state average of 50th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is flooding at the 45th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.