Votruba Block · Photo: rossograph · CC BY-SA 4.0FEMA expects less hazard damage per building in East Jordan than almost anywhere in the U.S., mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, East Jordan gets an A+ for hazard risk: among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (86%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2018.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What East Jordan faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind East Jordan’s grade
River and rain flooding is 86% of the building damage FEMA expects in East Jordan, and East Jordan’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 95% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 5% (lower than 64% of U.S. census tracts).
A+ among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns (21,298).
East Jordan’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $533K a year in losses across East Jordan: $227K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does East Jordan flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2018
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in East Jordan, from FEMA’s records: 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 65% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
East Jordan isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Charlevoix County.2 federal disasters brought FEMA money to East Jordan
Disasters that paid out in East Jordan itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of East Jordan), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2026Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding7 households applied for aid$13K aid approved$25K to the City of East Jordan for repairs
- 2025Severe Winter Storm$46K to the City of East Jordan for repairs
Charlevoix County has had 5 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often winter storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of East Jordan after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the East Jordan archive →Get ready for what East Jordan faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in East Jordan
Is East Jordan at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, East Jordan has among the lowest expected damage per building of U.S. towns: A+ for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (86%) and tornadoes (5%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does East Jordan flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in East Jordan since 2018, $4K in all, or 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 65% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is East Jordan in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Charlevoix County, 13% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.2% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in East Jordan?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for East Jordan’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in East Jordan?
By FEMA money that reached East Jordan, Severe Winter Storm (2025): $46K to the City of East Jordan for repairs.
Is East Jordan at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (86%), and East Jordan’s rate for it is lower than 95% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in East Jordan.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where East Jordan’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.