Out of 42 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 42 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 116 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 6 |
Top 42 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland | Michigan | 17 | 2 | 2021 | 11/100 |
| 2 | Washtenaw | Michigan | 17 | 2 | 2021 | 11/100 |
| 3 | Wayne | Michigan | 9 | 0 | 2023 | 46/100 |
| 4 | Macomb | Michigan | 9 | 0 | 2023 | 9/100 |
| 5 | Genesee | Michigan | 8 | 2 | 2020 | 13/100 |
| 6 | Kent | Michigan | 6 | 0 | 2022 | 3/100 |
| 7 | Kalamazoo | Michigan | 5 | 0 | 2022 | 4/100 |
| 8 | Eaton | Michigan | 4 | 0 | 2017 | 10/100 |
| 9 | Livingston | Michigan | 3 | 0 | 2020 | 4/100 |
| 10 | Ingham | Michigan | 3 | 0 | 2020 | 4/100 |
| 11 | Ottawa | Michigan | 3 | 0 | 2020 | 3/100 |
| 12 | Muskegon | Michigan | 3 | 0 | 2020 | 3/100 |
| 13 | Newaygo | Michigan | 3 | 0 | 2012 | 2/100 |
| 14 | Barry | Michigan | 2 | 0 | 2025 | 6/100 |
| 15 | Jackson | Michigan | 2 | 0 | 2022 | 3/100 |
| 16 | Gladwin | Michigan | 2 | 0 | 2018 | 2/100 |
| 17 | Isabella | Michigan | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 2/100 |
| 18 | Saginaw | Michigan | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 19 | Clinton | Michigan | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 20 | St. Clair | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2014 | 46/100 |
| 21 | Van Buren | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2017 | 12/100 |
| 22 | Shiawassee | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 4/100 |
| 23 | Berrien | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2014 | 3/100 |
| 24 | Roscommon | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2015 | 3/100 |
| 25 | Cass | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 2/100 |
| 26 | Lapeer | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 1/100 |
| 27 | Monroe | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2017 | 1/100 |
| 28 | Tuscola | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 1/100 |
| 29 | Gratiot | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 1/100 |
| 30 | Midland | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 1/100 |
| 31 | Charlevoix | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2013 | 1/100 |
| 32 | Houghton | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 1/100 |
| 33 | Baraga | Michigan | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 1/100 |
| 34 | Allegan | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 12/100 |
| 35 | Ionia | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 6/100 |
| 36 | Montcalm | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 37 | Calhoun | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 4/100 |
| 38 | Hillsdale | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 39 | Bay | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
| 40 | Ogemaw | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 41 | Emmet | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 42 | Ontonagon | Michigan | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Michigan based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.