Hamilton County Disaster Risk
Hamilton County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#79
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
13th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hamilton County, Illinois
Hamilton County's risk profile
Hamilton County scores 30.82 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that sits well below the state average of 54.46. Your county faces less than half the overall natural disaster risk that typically burdens Illinois communities. This favorable position reflects relatively moderate hazard exposure across most disaster types.
Among the safest in Illinois
Hamilton County ranks among Illinois' lowest-risk counties by composite score, placing it in the bottom quartile of state hazard exposure. The state average of 54.46 is nearly two points higher than your county's 30.82, indicating substantially lower vulnerability than most peers. This favorable standing reflects consistent low-to-moderate scores across flood, wildfire, and tornado hazards.
Compared to nearby counties
Hamilton County's 30.82 risk score edges slightly higher than Hardin County (8.30), the region's safest, but significantly outperforms Jackson County (87.12) to the east. When compared to neighboring Henderson County (17.53), Hamilton sits in the middle range, suggesting moderate variation in hazard exposure across south-central Illinois. The differences highlight how local geography and proximity to flood zones reshape risk.
Where Hamilton faces the most exposure
Earthquakes pose the highest relative risk at 90.74, reflecting Hamilton's position in a seismically active region, though actual earthquake frequency remains low. Tornadoes rank second at 37.31, a hazard common to all Illinois counties that warrants seasonal preparedness and a reliable warning plan. Flooding and hurricanes present lower but non-negligible risks at 12.53 and 27.83 respectively.
Secure coverage for real threats
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake or flood damage, yet both rank as moderate threats in Hamilton County—consider standalone earthquake and flood policies for comprehensive protection. Review your tornado preparedness annually: identify safe rooms or shelters, establish a family communication plan, and ensure your property is secured against high winds. A small investment in these protections now can prevent catastrophic losses later.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hamilton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hamilton County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Hamilton County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 31th percentile. A 31th percentile score positions Hamilton County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Hamilton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (28th percentile), flood (13th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 91th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Hamilton County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. The county's tornado risk at the 37th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For Hamilton County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
Hamilton County is 23.6 composite risk points below the Illinois state mean, meaning most other Illinois counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Hamilton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hamilton County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Hamilton County?
How does Hamilton County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Hamilton County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hamilton 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.