Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 49838

Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 49838, Michigan

ZIP 49838 in Gould City 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 49838 carries an overall risk score of 3.8/10, placing it in the low 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 landslide and tsunami.

Within Michigan, ZIP 49838's risk is, slightly below the 5.3/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Michigan identifies coastal flood as the foremost hazard, followed by landslide and tsunami. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

ZIP 49838 carries a below-average natural disaster risk, reflecting fewer and less severe hazard exposures than typical U.S. communities. Even so, the area's primary risk — coastal flood — warrants awareness and appropriate insurance coverage, as lower risk does not mean zero risk.