DeKalb County Disaster Risk
DeKalb County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% 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 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in DeKalb County, Illinois
DeKalb faces notably elevated disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 80.82, DeKalb County rates as "Relatively Low" but sits well above the national average for natural disaster exposure. This places the county in a higher-risk category than most Illinois counties and demands serious preparedness investment.
Among Illinois's riskiest counties
DeKalb's 80.82 score ranks it in the upper tier of Illinois counties, where the state average is 54.46. Only the most hazard-prone Illinois counties exceed DeKalb's risk profile, making it a standout in terms of natural disaster exposure.
Significantly riskier than surrounding areas
DeKalb (80.82) faces roughly double the risk of nearby Crawford (37.02) and De Witt (29.26) counties. Douglas County (62.12) also sits considerably safer, revealing DeKalb as an outlier in its region for natural disaster vulnerability.
Tornadoes and floods dominate threats
DeKalb residents face the state's most severe tornado risk at 88.10, combined with exceptionally high flood exposure at 82.98. These two hazards far outpace other threats and require the most robust preparation and insurance strategies.
Invest in comprehensive disaster coverage
Flood insurance and tornado-rated wind coverage are non-negotiable for DeKalb homeowners, given the county's extreme exposure to both hazards. Dedicated tornado shelters or safe rooms should be a serious consideration, alongside detailed family emergency plans tested annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in DeKalb County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: DeKalb County
Risk Verdict
DeKalb County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 81th percentile across all U.S. counties. DeKalb County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is DeKalb County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 83th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (76th percentile), hurricane (20th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 88th percentile nationally for tornado risk, DeKalb County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. DeKalb County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary flood hazard at the 83th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to DeKalb County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. DeKalb County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 26.4 points above the Illinois state average puts DeKalb County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for DeKalb County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in DeKalb County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect DeKalb County?
How does DeKalb County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is DeKalb County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is DeKalb 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.