Boone County Disaster Risk
Boone County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Boone County, Illinois
Boone County's risk moderately above average
Boone County scores 57.35 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but exceeding the national average. This score reflects elevated tornado risk (77.61) and notable flood exposure (63.93), making it a moderate-risk jurisdiction.
Above Illinois's average disaster risk
At 57.35, Boone County exceeds the Illinois state average of 54.46, positioning it in the higher half of the state's counties for natural hazard exposure. Tornado risk in particular (77.61) drives this above-average standing.
More exposed than most nearby counties
Boone County's 57.35 score ranks it among the region's higher-risk areas, substantially above Carroll County (39.03), Bond County (36.23), and the county's western neighbors. Only Adams County (64.19) and Bureau County (62.28) to the north and east present comparable hazard exposure.
Tornadoes and floods are serious threats
Boone County faces exceptional tornado risk at 77.61—the highest among primary regional competitors—and significant flood exposure at 63.93. These two hazards dominate the risk profile and demand active preparedness planning.
Prepare for tornadoes and floods
With tornado risk at 77.61 and flood risk at 63.93, Boone County residents should verify their homeowners policy covers wind/hail damage and consider separate flood insurance if in a high-risk area. Create a tornado action plan now: identify your safe room, know your county's warning system, and keep supplies accessible.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Boone County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Boone County
Risk Verdict
Boone County's FEMA risk score places it at the 57th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Boone County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (46th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 78th percentile nationally makes Boone County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary flood hazard at the 64th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Boone County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Boone County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
Boone County sits within 2.9 composite points of the Illinois state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Boone County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Boone County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Boone County?
How does Boone County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Boone County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Boone 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.