Champaign County Disaster Risk
Champaign County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
90th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Champaign County, Illinois
Champaign County faces moderate disaster risk
Champaign County's composite risk score of 90.46 places it significantly above the national average, with a Relatively Moderate risk rating. This score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and tornadoes.
Second-highest risk in Illinois
At 90.46, Champaign County ranks among the most hazardous counties in Illinois, surpassed only by Cook County's 99.97. The county's score substantially exceeds the state average of 54.46, indicating above-average exposure to weather-related disasters.
Riskiest county in central Illinois
Champaign County (90.46) faces dramatically higher disaster risk than adjacent Christian County (54.04) and Coles County (70.36). It stands as the highest-risk county in its immediate region.
Tornadoes and floods pose major threats
Tornado risk dominates at 94.85, making Champaign one of Illinois's most tornado-prone counties, while flood risk scores 90.36—both well above state averages. Together, these two hazards account for the county's elevated composite risk profile.
Comprehensive coverage essential for residents
Champaign County residents should maintain robust homeowners insurance with specific tornado and flood protections, as standard policies often exclude flood damage. Safe room construction and emergency planning are equally critical given the region's significant severe weather exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Champaign County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Champaign County
Risk Verdict
Champaign County's overall risk score at the 90th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Champaign County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (89th percentile), hurricane (49th percentile), wildfire (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Champaign County ranks at the 95th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Champaign County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 90th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Champaign County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Champaign County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Illinois counties, Champaign County runs 36.0 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Champaign County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Champaign County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Champaign County?
How does Champaign County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Champaign County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Champaign 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.