Natural Disaster Risk in Wexford County

Natural Hazard Profile: Wexford County, Michigan

Wexford County is located in the United States in Michigan, home to roughly 33,652 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, Wexford County carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and landslide.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Wexford 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 winter is recommended.