Top Cities in Michigan at Serious Risk of Flooding

Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes, which makes it a wonderful place to live.

However, snowmelt and heavy rain can swell rivers bringing significant flooding to many communities and homes.

In this article, we highlight the top cities at risk of flooding and offer advice on insurance coverage and what you can do now to protect your home.

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A Look at Flood Risk: The Stats

The 2020 First National Flood Risk Assessment (FNFRA) estimated that 315,600 properties are at substantial risk of flooding in Michigan. This is considerably above the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps that identify 124,100 properties at risk. The FNFRA assessment takes into account areas that FEMA hasn’t yet mapped, adds precipitation as a separate risk, and includes current climate data.

The FNFRA study also identifies 531,800 properties at risk over the next 30 years. This includes 51,700 properties with a 99% chance of flooding at least once during that time.

Top 10 Michigan Cities at Risk of Flooding

Here are the top 10 cities in Michigan from the First National Flood Risk Assessment, showing the total number of properties at risk and the percentage of total properties at risk.

#	City/Town	Total Properties at Risk – % of Total Properties
1	Detroit	39,744 – 10%
2	Warren	11,916 – 21%
3	Grand Rapids	9,448 – 15%
4	Sterling Heights	5,485 – 12%
5	Lansing	5,164 – 12%
6	Flint	5,161 – 9%
7	Dearborn	5,051 – 15%
8	Dearborn Heights	4,672 – 19%
9	St. Clair Shores	4,115 – 15%
10	Grosse Pointe Woods	4,102 – 60%

Our Hometowns’ Flooding Risks

FSM employee working to install work in the ground

We’ve dug slightly deeper into the assessment for the locations in Michigan where we have offices.

Grand Rapids ranks third among the top 10 cities listed. In Kent County, the FNFRA assessment identifies 18,112 properties at risk, a 654% difference from the FEMA assessment of 2,403 properties at risk.

Livonia is in Wayne County, which includes Detroit, first on the list above, and Dearborn, seventh on the list, and many other cities. Properties in the county total 818,943 with 46,609 of those at risk of flooding, according to the FNFRA assessment. On the other hand, FEMA estimates that 17,947 are at risk.

Traverse City is in Grand Traverse County. FEMA has identified 647 properties at risk of flooding in the county. FNFRA has identified 4,531. That’s an amazing 600% higher.

These are good examples of reviewing your property to determine the estimated flooding risk. At that point, you can accurately determine your insurance needs.

Flood Insurance

If your property is at risk of flooding, it’s best to purchase separate flood insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance only covers damage from internal sources of water such as overflowing toilets and leaking or burst pipes. It doesn’t cover damage from external sources caused by rain, storms, or flooding.

The National Flood Insurance Program can be accessed at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center where you map your property to determine flooding risks. From there you can purchase flood insurance.

Flood insurance can be well worth the money in Michigan. Since 2000, there have been 238,900 flood damage claims through FEMA. The highest number of claims have been from Genesee, Macomb, Midland, Oakland, and Wayne counties.

Flooding Protection for Your Property

FEMA estimates that just one inch of water in a 5,000-square-foot multi-story home can cause $47,110 in damage to the home and $6,344 in damage to personal property.

Here’s a starting list of ways you can protect your home, basement, or crawl space from water damage caused by flooding.

Safely Store Valuables: Use waterproof containers to store your valuables. Whenever possible, store them on an upper floor well away from any expected floodwaters.
Direct Water Away from Your Home: That starts with making sure your gutters and downspouts are clear. Also, your landscape grading should slope away from the foundation. Use downspout extensions to help move the water away.
Use Flood-Resistant Drywall and Insulation: This helps reduce the damage from flooding and allows easier clean-up. Another help can be installing floor tile rather than carpeting in areas of your home prone to flooding.
Install an Internal Drainage System: A drainage system in your basement or crawl space can collect leaks and remove the water with a sump pump.
Add Flood Sensors: Home security systems offer flood sensors that can detect rising water and alert you to take immediate action.
Install Flood Vents: These vents allow water into the basement or crawl space to reduce the pressure on the foundation walls. This causes some flooding damage but can prevent far greater structural damage.
Prevent Sewage Backup: Sewage drain lines can back up due to floodwaters. Install backflow valves to prevent this from happening and contaminating your basement or crawl space.
Elevate Utilities: When floods are possible, move electrical equipment and any extension cords off the basement floor. As a longer-term project, consider rerouting electrical wiring and placing outlets well above the possible flooding level.

Protect your family during any flooding. If you’re in immediate danger from rising waters, move to a higher floor or evacuate the premises.

How to Protect Your Home with FSM

For nearly two decades, Foundation Systems of Michigan has been dedicated to solving flooding issues for homeowners across the state.

Our proven process includes installing interior drainage systems, sump pumps, dehumidifiers, and wall vapor barriers to keep your basement or crawl space safe and dry.

We understand the unique challenges faced by homes in Michigan’s flood-prone cities and are committed to providing the best solutions to protect your property. Let us show you how to prepare for flooding and safeguard your home.

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FAQs

Can I save my carpet and padding after a basement flood?

It depends on the floodwater type and duration of exposure. Clean water floods may allow carpets to be saved if dried quickly, but padding usually needs to be replaced. Contaminated water from sewage or outdoor flooding generally requires discarding both for health reasons.

Can clogged gutters cause basement flooding?

During a storm, clogged gutters can absolutely contribute to basement flooding.
Clogged gutters can’t move water away from your home. Instead, they’ll dump it next to the foundation.

How do I choose a reputable basement waterproofing company?

Look for a company with certified professionals, good reviews, a solid track record, transparency in pricing, and warranties on their work. Always ask for references and verify their credentials.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

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