Ionia County, Michigan Hazard Report | Natural Catastrophe And Climate Risk

HazardDB

Hazard Score

65 Catastrophes Recorded

Historical_Hail

Historical_Tornadoes

Historical_Hurricanes

Historical_Floods

Historical_Wind

106

Ionia County, Michigan

5 Cities with a Population of 65,212, and 22,144 Households

Ionia County in Michigan has a relatively low overall risk of natural disasters, with specific hazards such as hail, high winds, tornadoes, and winter storms being the most frequent events. The county experiences an average of 135 severe wind events annually, which is a significant factor contributing to the risk assessment. The area also faces a moderate risk of hail storms, with an average of 77 events per year, impacting the overall hazard risk index.

The geographical features of Ionia County, including the presence of water bodies like rivers and lakes, can exacerbate the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events. The county's proximity to Lake Michigan increases the likelihood of severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and lightning strikes. Additionally, the county's location in the Great Lakes region makes it susceptible to lake-effect snowstorms during the winter months, further contributing to the overall hazard risk in the area.

While Ionia County does not have a high risk of natural disasters compared to other regions, it is important to note that the area still faces potential threats from various hazards. The county's relatively low risk rating can be attributed to the presence of protective geological features, such as fault lines and mountain peaks, which can mitigate the impact of certain natural disasters. However, it is crucial for residents and officials to remain vigilant and prepared for potential hazards, especially during severe weather events and changing climate patterns.

Wildfire Risk: Very Low

Tornado Risk: Low

Hurricane Risk: Low

Hail Risk: Very Low

Flood Risk: Low

Tsunami Risk: Very Low

Earthquake Risk: Very Low

Wind Risk: Low

HAZARDS

26

Power Transmission Lines

0

Coastlines

14

Water Bodies

0

Fault Lines

EMERGENCY SERVICES

17

Hazard Shelters

12

Fire Stations

2

Hospitals

4

Police Stations

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Ionia County, located in Michigan, has a population of 65,212 with a population density of 112.4 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with 89.8% White, 4.6% Black, 0.4% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 0.4% Asian, and 4.3% Hispanic. The median age in Ionia County is 36.9, and the average household size is 2.64. The county has 22,144 households, with 24.8% of them being single-person households and 33.3% consisting of families.

Compared to other counties in Michigan, Ionia County has a higher percentage of White residents and a lower percentage of Black residents. The county also has a lower median age compared to the state average of 39.8. In terms of household composition, Ionia County has a higher percentage of single-person households compared to the state average of 23.6%. Additionally, the county has a lower average household size compared to the state average of 2.52. In terms of agriculture, Ionia County has 954 farms with an average size of 245 acres and a total crop acreage of 200,122 acres in 2017. The average farm sale in the county is $401,410, which is higher than the state average of $228,718.

Regions

CLIMATE OVERVIEW

Average Temperature

9 °F Cold

Average Precipitation

922 mm Moderate

Average Humidity

82% Moderately High

Plant Hardiness

6/10 Moderately High

NATURAL CATASTROPHE TIMELINE

Flooding

Dam Breaks And Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain

2013-04-22

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2009-06-10

Flooding

Heavy Rain

2008-12-10

Hurricane Gustav

2008-09-05

Flooding