Natural Disaster Risk in Beaver Island
Michigan
Risk Summary for Beaver Island
Beaver Island scores 4.3/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Coastal Flooding.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Beaver Island, Michigan
Located in the Great Lakes region in Charlevoix County, Beaver Island is a small community of about 732. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Michigan — marked by severe winters amplified by lake-effect snow and warm, humid summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Beaver Island a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Beaver Island's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.3/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Coastal flood risk defines the local natural hazard environment, with sea-level rise trends gradually increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events alongside storm surge threats. Secondary hazards include cold wave and landslide.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Beaver Island's natural disaster risk is near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 5.3/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by coastal flood and cold wave, as measured by FEMA across Charlevoix County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Beaver Island's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that coastal flood exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Beaver Island: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
- Coastal flood and storm-surge damage requires separate flood insurance, not standard homeowners coverage.
Local Factors for Beaver Island
These city-level factors differentiate Beaver Island from other communities in Charlevoix County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
732
RuralGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 2.7/10
Coordinates
45.6555° N, 85.5520° W
Charlevoix County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Beaver Island
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Beaver Island
Other cities in Michigan
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.