Calhoun County Disaster Risk
Calhoun County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#100
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Calhoun County, Illinois
Calhoun County ranks among nation's safest
Calhoun County scores just 6.08 on the composite disaster risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and ranking among the safest counties in the United States. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal hazard exposure across virtually all disaster types.
Second-safest county in Illinois
Calhoun County's 6.08 composite score ranks it as the second-safest county in Illinois, just below Brown County (4.74), and vastly below the state average of 54.46. Only a handful of U.S. counties rival Calhoun's level of natural disaster safety.
Among the region's lowest-risk areas
Calhoun County's 6.08 score ranks just behind Brown County (4.74) as the region's safest jurisdiction, far ahead of Carroll County (39.03), Bond County (36.23), and Alexander County (44.08). Even compared to northern Adams County (64.19), Calhoun is roughly 10 times safer.
Tornado exposure slightly elevated locally
Calhoun County's tornado risk of 18.80 is its most significant hazard, though it remains well below state and national norms. Flood risk (16.13) ranks second, while earthquake (33.84) and wildfire (0.57) risks are minimal.
Standard insurance covers your needs
Calhoun County residents benefit from exceptional natural disaster safety, so standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage without costly add-ons. Maintain basic emergency preparedness and ensure your roof and drainage systems are well-maintained for optimal home resilience.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Calhoun County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Calhoun County
Risk Verdict
Calhoun County's overall natural disaster score at the 6th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Even at the 6th percentile, Calhoun County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Calhoun County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 34th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 19th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (16th percentile), hurricane (8th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 34th percentile nationally puts Calhoun County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Calhoun County's tornado risk at the 19th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Calhoun County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Calhoun County's composite risk score sits 48.4 points below the Illinois county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Calhoun County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Calhoun County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Calhoun County?
How does Calhoun County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Calhoun County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Calhoun County a safe place to live?
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.