Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 49769
Pellston, Michigan
Risk Summary for ZIP 49769
ZIP 49769 scores 4.4/10 (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: ZIP 49769, Michigan
ZIP 49769 in Pellston sits in the Great Lakes region. Its humid continental climate produces severe winters amplified by lake-effect snow and warm, humid summers, and notably intense lake-effect snowstorms off Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. These conditions define the natural disaster environment for households across this ZIP code.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, ZIP 49769 carries an overall risk score of 4.4/10, 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 cold wave and landslide.
Within Michigan, ZIP 49769'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 Michigan identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by cold wave and landslide. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, ZIP 49769 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.
What this means for ZIP 49769: 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.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 49769
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 49769 from other communities in Michigan County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,718
Small TownGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.6°
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
45.5680° N, 84.8568° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 49769
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in Michigan
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.