Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 49839
Grand Marais, Michigan
Risk Summary for ZIP 49839
ZIP 49839 scores 4.3/10 (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 49839, Michigan
ZIP 49839 covers part of the Grand Marais area, in the Great Lakes region. The surrounding region 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 that residents of this ZIP code face. Risk scores here are derived from FEMA data for the encompassing county.
FEMA rates ZIP 49839's composite natural disaster risk at 4.3 out of 10 — moderate risk. The risk of coastal inundation tops the local hazard profile, with the area exposed to storm surge, tidal flooding, and wave action during major coastal storm events. Residents should also account for lightning and landslide risk in their preparedness planning.
ZIP 49839'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, the highest-scoring are coastal flood, lightning, 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, ZIP 49839 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 49839: Coastal Flooding preparedness
- 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.
- Elevate utilities and consider flood-resistant construction in low-lying shoreline areas.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 49839
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 49839 from other communities in Michigan County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
198
RuralGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 46.6°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.8/10
Coordinates
46.5999° N, 86.1155° 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 49839
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.