Benzie County, Michigan

1 Cities with a Population of 18,516, and 7,298 Households

Benzie County, Michigan has a very low overall natural disaster risk rating, with a risk score of 2.55. The county experiences relatively low frequencies of extreme weather events such as hailstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, with an average annual frequency of 3.77 events. The most common natural disaster in the area is lightning strikes, with an average annual frequency of 207 events. The county's risk is further mitigated by its very high resilience rating of 95.48, indicating a strong ability to recover from natural disasters.

Specific climate factors in Benzie County include its proximity to Lake Michigan, which can lead to lake-effect snow and severe weather patterns. The county also has a relatively low risk of flooding, with an average annual flood frequency of 3 events. The presence of fault lines and mountain peaks in the region contributes to a moderate risk of earthquakes, with an average annual frequency of 0.09 events. The county's location along the coast and its varied geological features play a significant role in determining its overall hazard risk.

Historical events in Benzie County include occasional hailstorms and wind events, which have caused minimal damage to property and infrastructure. The county is home to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and unique geological formations. Overall, the natural disaster and climate risk assessment for Benzie County highlights the area's relatively low risk of extreme events and its ability to withstand and recover from potential hazards.