Van Buren County, Michigan Hazard Report | Natural Catastrophe And Climate Risk

HazardDB

Hazard Score

127 Catastrophes Recorded

Historical_Hail

Historical_Tornadoes

Historical_Floods

Historical_Wind

178

Van Buren County, Michigan

4 Cities with a Population of 76,545, and 28,928 Households

Berrien County, Michigan faces relatively low overall hazard risk with a risk rating of 66.85. The county is susceptible to hazards such as flooding, hail, high winds, and tornadoes. While the risk of major natural disasters is relatively low, the area experiences a moderate frequency of events such as thunderstorms, which can still pose a threat to the population and infrastructure. The county has a diverse landscape with water bodies like Lake Michigan to the west, which can contribute to severe weather events, as well as agricultural areas that may be affected by flooding.

Specific geological features in Berrien County include the presence of Lake Michigan to the west, which can influence the climate and weather patterns in the region. The county also has a coastline along the lake, making it susceptible to lake-effect snow and storms. Additionally, the area is located near fault lines and mountain peaks, which can increase the risk of earthquakes and landslides respectively. These geographical factors contribute to the overall hazard risk in the county.

While Berrien County has a relatively low risk rating, it is important for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for potential natural disasters. Historical events such as severe thunderstorms, flooding, and hailstorms have impacted the area in the past, highlighting the need for proactive disaster management strategies. By considering the specific ratios and percentages of different hazard risks in the region, along with the geological features and climate factors that could impact these risks, residents can better understand and mitigate potential threats to their safety and well-being.

Wildfire Risk: Very Low

Tornado Risk: Low

Hurricane Risk: Very Low

Hail Risk: Very Low

Flood Risk: Low

Tsunami Risk: Very Low

Earthquake Risk: Very Low

Wind Risk: Low

HAZARDS

66

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

16

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

55

Hazard Shelters

33

Fire Stations

4

Hospitals

21

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Van Buren County, located in Michigan, has a population of 76,545 with a population density of 122.9 per square mile. The county has a slightly larger population compared to the 2010 census population of 76,258. The racial makeup of Van Buren County is predominantly White, with 86.3% of the population identifying as White, 4% as Black, 0.9% as American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.4% as Asian, and 0.2% as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. The Hispanic or Latino population makes up 10.1% of the total population. In terms of age demographics, the median age in the county is 39.7, with a fairly even distribution across age groups. The county has a total of 28,928 households, with an average household size of 2.61.

Compared to other counties in Michigan, Van Buren County has a higher population density and a larger percentage of White residents. The county also has a higher proportion of Hispanic residents compared to the state average. In terms of household composition, Van Buren County has a slightly lower average household size compared to the state average of 2.54. The county has a significant farming presence, with 953 farms in 2017 covering 118,101 acres of land. The average farm size and average farm sale in Van Buren County are also higher than the state average, indicating a strong agricultural industry in the county. Overall, Van Buren County is a diverse community with a strong agricultural sector that contributes significantly to the local economy.

Regions

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature

10 °F Cold

Average Precipitation

915 mm Moderate

Average Humidity

83% Moderately High

Plant Hardiness

6/10 Moderately High

NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2009-06-10

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2008-12-10

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2008-06-05

Flooding

Rain And Snowmelt

1956-03-05

Hailstorm

1955-07-09

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