Fulton County Disaster Risk
Fulton County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
59th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fulton County, Illinois
Fulton County moderately above U.S. average
Fulton County's composite risk score of 59.00 exceeds the national average, though its "Relatively Low" rating indicates manageable hazard exposure. The county faces somewhat elevated but not extreme natural disaster risk compared to typical American regions.
Slightly above Illinois state average
Fulton's 59.00 score exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the upper-middle range of Illinois's risk profile. The 4.5-point difference reflects Fulton's notably higher exposure to tornado and earthquake hazards.
More risky than most nearby counties
Fulton's 59.00 exceeds Fayette (48.76) and Ford (26.21) but trails Franklin County's elevated 80.95. Fulton residents face more natural disaster exposure than most of central Illinois, placing it among the region's more hazard-prone communities.
Tornadoes and earthquakes top the list
Fulton County's tornado risk (74.01) and earthquake risk (78.82) are its primary concerns, with both scores well above state average. Flood risk (57.63) poses a meaningful secondary threat, while hurricane and wildfire risks remain minor.
Earthquake insurance is essential
Fulton County's 78.82 earthquake risk score demands serious attention to earthquake insurance, which standard homeowners policies exclude entirely. Ensure your policy covers tornado and wind damage, and consider flood insurance if your property sits in a historically vulnerable area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fulton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fulton County
Risk Verdict
At the 59th percentile nationally, Fulton County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Fulton County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Fulton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 74th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (58th percentile), hurricane (24th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Fulton County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 79th 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. Tornado at the 74th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Fulton County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Fulton 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
At 4.5 points from the Illinois county mean, Fulton County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Fulton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fulton County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Fulton County?
How does Fulton County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Fulton County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Fulton 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.