Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
81th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
66th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Illinois
Franklin County faces above-average risks
Franklin County's composite score of 80.95 places it well above the national average, though it still carries a "Relatively Low" rating. The county ranks among America's more hazard-exposed areas, particularly for earthquake and tornado events.
Highest risk in this Illinois sample
Franklin County's 80.95 score exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46 by nearly 27 points, making it the most hazard-prone county in this analysis. This significant gap reflects Franklin's notably elevated exposure to multiple disaster types.
Riskiest county in the region
Franklin County's 80.95 substantially exceeds regional peers like Effingham (53.75), Fayette (48.76), and even Grundy County (66.51). Only Franklin faces this level of compound natural disaster risk across southern Illinois.
Earthquake and tornado risks are severe
Franklin County's earthquake risk (95.42) and tornado risk (79.33) are its most pressing concerns—both among the highest in Illinois. Flood risk (65.68) adds a third significant hazard that residents must actively prepare for.
Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable
Franklin County residents must prioritize earthquake insurance (95.42 score) and verify robust tornado/wind coverage in their homeowners policies. Consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if you're in a moderate-to-high risk zone, as standard policies exclude flood damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Franklin County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 81th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (66th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 95th percentile nationally puts Franklin 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Franklin County's tornado risk at the 79th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Franklin 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
Franklin County is 26.5 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 Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Franklin County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Franklin 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.