Coles County Disaster Risk
Coles County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
70th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Coles County, Illinois
Coles County faces moderate disaster risk
Coles County's composite risk score of 70.36 surpasses the national average, signaling above-average exposure to natural disasters. The Relatively Low rating reflects a mixed hazard profile with some significant exposures.
Above-average risk for Illinois
At 70.36, Coles County scores substantially higher than Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the upper half of state counties by risk level. Residents face greater hazard exposure than most other Illinoisans.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Coles County (70.36) ranks riskier than Cass County (38.65), Clark County (27.32), and Christian County (54.04), but safer than Champaign County (90.46). It represents one of the higher-risk areas in east-central Illinois.
Floods and tornadoes pose primary threats
Coles County's flood risk (74.49) and tornado risk (72.11) substantially exceed state averages and dominate the county's composite score. These two weather-related hazards represent the most significant disaster risks for residents.
Prioritize comprehensive weather coverage
Coles County residents should obtain separate flood insurance and ensure strong tornado coverage, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Developing a family emergency plan is equally essential given the county's significant severe weather exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Coles County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Coles County
Risk Verdict
At the 70th percentile nationally, Coles County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Coles County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Coles County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (72th percentile), hurricane (39th percentile), wildfire (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Coles County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 87th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's flood risk at the 74th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Coles County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Coles County falls 15.9 points above Illinois's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Coles County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Coles County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Coles County?
How does Coles County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Coles County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Coles 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.