Natural Disaster Risk in South Range
Michigan
Risk Summary for South Range
South Range scores 4.2/10 (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: South Range, Michigan
South Range, in Houghton County, is a small community of about 515 situated in the northern tier of the continental United States. Its humid continental climate brings severe winters amplified by lake-effect snow and warm, humid summers, and in particular intense lake-effect snowstorms off Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that South Range residents and property owners must navigate.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, South Range carries an overall risk score of 4.2/10, placing it in the moderate category. Coastal flooding is the dominant hazard, with storm surge from tropical systems and nor'easters capable of inundating low-lying shoreline areas well above normal tidal levels. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and cold wave.
Within Michigan, South Range's risk is, slightly below the 5.3/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Houghton County identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by winter and cold wave. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
South Range'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 South Range: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- 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.
- Know your evacuation zone and monitor tidal and surge forecasts during coastal storms.
Local Factors for South Range
These city-level factors differentiate South Range from other communities in Houghton County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
515
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Northern Continental
Latitude 47.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.2/10
Coordinates
47.0490° N, 88.6400° W
Houghton 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 South Range
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in South Range
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.