Natural Disaster Risk in Benzie County

Natural Hazard Profile: Benzie County, Michigan

Benzie County is located in the United States in Michigan, home to roughly 17,953 residents. The county experiences severe winters amplified by lake-effect snow and warm, humid summers, with intense lake-effect snowstorms off Lake Michigan and Lake Erie shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Benzie County carries an overall risk score of 4.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. 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. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and cold wave.

Benzie County's risk score, slightly below the 5.3/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Benzie County, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, winter, and cold wave. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Benzie County residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for coastal flood is recommended.