Cumberland County Disaster Risk
Cumberland County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#87
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cumberland County, Illinois
Cumberland's risk sits well below average
At 25.86, Cumberland County's composite risk score places it in the "Very Low" category, substantially safer than the national average. This low exposure makes Cumberland one of Illinois's most naturally protected communities for disaster-prone households.
Second-safest county in Illinois
Cumberland ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Illinois, with its 25.86 score nearly half the state average of 54.46. Only a handful of Illinois counties enjoy comparable natural disaster protection.
Safest in a low-risk cluster
Cumberland's 25.86 edges out Edwards County (26.14) as the region's safest, while Crawford County (37.02) and De Witt County (29.26) follow closely behind. This tight cluster of southern and central Illinois counties reflects genuinely favorable natural hazard profiles.
Tornado and hurricane the main concerns
Cumberland's highest risk scores come from tornadoes (30.06) and hurricanes (32.96), both moderate rather than severe. Flooding at 33.49 represents the third significant hazard, though all three remain well-managed through standard preparedness measures.
Standard homeowners coverage likely sufficient
Given Cumberland's very low risk profile, standard homeowners insurance paired with a basic tornado safety plan provides solid protection. Still, verify your coverage includes wind damage, since tornado preparedness remains the most practical investment for residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cumberland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cumberland County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Cumberland County ranks at the 26th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Cumberland County's favorable 26th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Cumberland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (33th percentile), tornado (30th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 76th percentile nationally, Cumberland County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. The county's flood risk at the 33th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Earthquake insurance in Cumberland County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 28.6 points below the Illinois state average, Cumberland County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Cumberland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cumberland County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Cumberland County?
How does Cumberland County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Cumberland County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cumberland 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.