Clinton County Disaster Risk
Clinton County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
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 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clinton County, Illinois
Clinton County faces elevated risk
Clinton County's composite risk score of 65.59 exceeds the national average, with a Relatively Low rating that belies meaningful hazard exposure. The county experiences above-average disaster risk for the nation as a whole.
Above-average risk for Illinois
Clinton County (65.59) scores notably higher than Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the upper tier of state county risks. Residents face more significant hazard exposure than most of their fellow Illinoisans.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Clinton County (65.59) ranks riskier than Cass County (38.65) and Clark County (27.32), but safer than Champaign County (90.46). It represents the mid-to-upper risk level among central Illinois neighbors.
Tornadoes and floods are major threats
Clinton County's tornado risk (65.84) and flood risk (64.03) drive its elevated composite score, both substantially above state averages. These twin hazards represent the county's primary natural disaster concerns.
Secure flood and tornado protections
Clinton County residents should prioritize flood insurance and verify tornado coverage in their homeowners policies, as standard policies often exclude water damage. Safe room preparation and severe weather planning provide critical additional protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clinton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clinton County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Clinton County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 66th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Clinton County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Clinton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (64th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 91th percentile nationally puts Clinton 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. Tornado at the 66th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Clinton County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Clinton 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
Clinton County is 11.1 composite risk points above the Illinois average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Clinton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clinton County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Clinton County?
How does Clinton County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Clinton County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Clinton 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.