Adams County Disaster Risk
Adams County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#41
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Adams County, Illinois
Adams County's disaster risk: above average nationally
Adams County scores 64.19 on the composite disaster risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category but notably above the national average. This score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly earthquake risk at 64.60 and flood risk at 60.66.
Higher risk than most Illinois counties
At 64.19, Adams County ranks in the upper portion of Illinois counties for disaster risk, exceeding the state average of 54.46. This above-average exposure means residents face greater-than-typical natural hazard threats compared to their peers statewide.
Stands out among nearby counties
Adams County's 64.19 score significantly exceeds neighboring Brown County (4.74) and Calhoun County (6.08), making it the highest-risk county in its immediate area. Even compared to more distant peers like Bond County (36.23) and Carroll County (39.03), Adams faces notably elevated composite risk.
Earthquake and flood pose greatest threats
Earthquake risk (64.60) and flood risk (60.66) dominate Adams County's hazard profile, with tornado risk also significant at 58.84. While wildfire risk remains low at 5.22, residents should prioritize preparedness for seismic and flood events.
Secure flood and earthquake coverage now
Given Adams County's dual exposure to earthquake (64.60) and flood hazards (60.66), standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—you'll need separate earthquake and flood policies. Contact your insurance agent today to ensure your home is protected against these significant, distinct threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Adams County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Adams County
Risk Verdict
At the 64th percentile nationally, Adams County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Adams County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Adams County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (59th percentile), hurricane (24th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Adams County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 65th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Adams County's flood risk at the 61th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. After a major earthquake, Adams County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Adams County falls 9.7 points above Illinois's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Adams County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Adams County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Adams County?
How does Adams County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Adams County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Adams County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.