Illinois natural disaster risk
Illinois ranks #38 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are cold wave, tornado, heat wave.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Illinois's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook County | 5,182,090 | 100.0 | Very High |
| DuPage County | 930,024 | 97.6 | Relatively High |
| Lake County | 714,223 | 96.0 | Relatively High |
| Will County | 701,462 | 97.3 | Relatively High |
| Kane County | 517,255 | 94.6 | Relatively High |
| McHenry County | 312,591 | 90.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Winnebago County | 283,292 | 92.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Madison County | 264,238 | 93.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| St. Clair County | 253,694 | 94.9 | Relatively High |
| Champaign County | 208,741 | 90.5 | Relatively Moderate |
| Sangamon County | 194,947 | 91.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Peoria County | 179,645 | 90.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| McLean County | 171,556 | 86.9 | Relatively Moderate |
| Rock Island County | 142,757 | 84.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Kendall County | 137,675 | 80.2 | Relatively Low |
| Tazewell County | 130,290 | 84.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| LaSalle County | 108,714 | 86.1 | Relatively Moderate |
| Kankakee County | 106,635 | 88.2 | Relatively Moderate |
| Macon County | 101,849 | 83.3 | Relatively Moderate |
| DeKalb County | 100,703 | 80.8 | Relatively Low |
| Vermilion County | 72,386 | 78.8 | Relatively Low |
| Williamson County | 66,876 | 85.8 | Relatively Moderate |
| Adams County | 64,754 | 64.2 | Relatively Low |
| Whiteside County | 54,947 | 65.8 | Relatively Low |
| Boone County | 53,230 | 57.3 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Illinois
- Jersey County 18.9
- McDonough County 37.5
- Woodford County 39.9
- Monroe County 41.9
- Fayette County 48.8
- Jo Daviess County 51.3
- Shelby County 51.7
- Effingham County 53.8
Cities in Illinois
- Chicago, IL risk 97.1
- St. Louis, MO risk 92.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Illinois safe from natural disasters?
Illinois's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 90.4 out of 100 (among the highest of U.S. counties), #38 of 51 from safest. About 66% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Illinois?
The highest relative risks in Illinois are cold wave, tornado, heat wave (national percentile scores 95, 93, 90).
Where is the safest place to live in Illinois?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Jersey County, McDonough County, Woodford County.