riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Cass County Disaster Risk

Cass County, Illinois

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

39th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#71

of 102 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

28th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 28% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 33% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 16% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Cass County, Illinois

Cass County's low risk profile

With a composite risk score of 38.65, Cass County ranks well below the national average for natural disaster risk. This Very Low rating means residents face significantly fewer threats from combined hazards compared to the typical American county.

Among Illinois's safest counties

Cass County's score of 38.65 puts it well below Illinois's state average of 54.46, making it one of the state's lower-risk regions. This protective position reflects a relative absence of major flood, wildfire, and tornado exposure compared to many other Illinois counties.

Safer than surrounding counties

Cass County's risk profile is substantially lower than nearby Christian County (54.04) and Clinton County (65.59). Among all central Illinois neighbors, Cass remains among the safest places to live from a natural disaster perspective.

Earthquake poses the largest threat

While overall risk is low, Cass County's earthquake score of 47.58 is its highest individual hazard rating. Tornado risk (32.60) represents the second concern, though both remain below state averages for these specific hazards.

Secure coverage while risk remains manageable

Cass County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with attention to earthquake coverage given the county's comparatively elevated seismic score. Proactive insurance review now ensures protection if risk patterns shift over time.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Cass County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    48th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    33th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    28th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Cass County

Risk Verdict

Cass County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 39th percentile nationally. At the 39th percentile, Cass County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Cass County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (28th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), wildfire (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Cass County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's tornado risk at the 33th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Cass County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

The Illinois county average exceeds Cass County's score by 15.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Cass County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Cass County, IL?
Cass County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 39th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Cass County?
Cass County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (48th percentile), tornado (33th percentile), flooding (28th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), wildfire (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 48th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Cass County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Cass County's composite risk percentile is 39th, compared to the Illinois state average of 55th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Cass County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Illinois.
Is Cass County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Cass County's earthquake risk is at the 48th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Cass County is at the 28th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Cass County a safe place to live?
Cass County's composite risk score of 39th percentile is below the Illinois state average of 55th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 48th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Carroll County

Illinois

+0.4

Very Low

39th percentile

McDonough County

Illinois

-1.1

Very Low

38th percentile

Woodford County

Illinois

+1.3

Very Low

40th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

Explore more data for Cass County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score