Home › Michigan › Cities › Muskegon

Muskegon, Michigan: natural disaster risk

How exposed Muskegon is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Muskegon County.

Relatively Low overall risk
37,226people
Inland floodingtop hazard
12federal declarations, Muskegon County
8tornadoes in the county since 1950
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, public domain

Muskegon is a city of 37,226 people in Muskegon County, Michigan. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Muskegon County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $27.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 241 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 8 tornadoes and 11 floods. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Muskegon County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

Top risks in Muskegon

Full Muskegon County report ›
$17.1 million a year in the county
  • Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
  • Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.

Tornado

Moderate
$3.9 million a year in the county
  • Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
$3.5 million a year in the county
  • Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
  • Have trees near the house checked.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingModerate$17M
TornadoModerate$4M
Strong windHigh$3M
Cold waveLow$1M
Heat waveLow$636K
LightningModerate$482K
HailLow$264K
EarthquakeVery Low$246K
Ice stormModerate$245K
Winter weatherLow$42K
WildfireVery Low$14K
Coastal floodingVery Low$7K

Homes in Muskegon

Median home value$142,300
Muskegon County median$198,300
Median year built1951
Built before 198083%
Mobile homes0.8%

Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.

Strongest tornadoes in Muskegon County

1965F2
1967F1
2013EF0 near Trent

Common questions about Muskegon

Is Muskegon safe from natural disasters?

Muskegon is in Muskegon County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in Muskegon?

By expected yearly losses in Muskegon County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (Moderate), strong wind (High). Muskegon County has been part of 12 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Muskegon get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 8 tornadoes in Muskegon County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on September 4, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.

Do I need flood insurance in Muskegon?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Muskegon County, about 0.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.