Henderson County Disaster Risk
Henderson County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#91
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Henderson County, Illinois
Henderson County's modest risk profile
Henderson County scores 17.53 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that sits substantially below Illinois' state average of 54.46. Your county faces roughly one-third the statewide average natural disaster risk, positioning it among America's safer regions. This favorable standing reflects below-average exposure to earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
Well below-average risk in Illinois
Henderson County ranks among Illinois' safest counties by composite score, placing it in the bottom fifth of state hazard exposure. At 17.53, your county's risk score is less than one-third the state average of 54.46, indicating substantially lower vulnerability than most Illinois communities. This protective position reflects consistently low or moderate scores across flood, tornado, and seismic hazards.
Safer than most nearby counties
Henderson County's 17.53 risk score places it between Hardin County (8.30), the region's safest, and Hancock County (31.08) to the east. Compared to Henry County (57.09) and especially Jackson County (87.12), Henderson offers dramatically better protection—roughly one-third and one-fifth the risk respectively. This variation underscores how county borders can separate significantly different disaster environments.
Low hazards with two focuses
Flooding ranks highest at 24.71, reflecting Henderson's proximity to river systems and floodplains that warrant flood insurance and awareness during wet seasons. Tornadoes present the second-largest hazard at 28.59, a springtime threat common across Illinois that requires seasonal preparedness and reliable weather monitoring. All other hazard types score below 28, indicating relatively low secondary risks.
Practical protection steps
Flood insurance is strongly recommended for Henderson County properties, especially those in mapped flood zones or near streams—standard homeowners policies provide zero flood coverage. Establish a tornado safety plan: identify shelter areas, test communication methods twice yearly, and stay alert during spring thunderstorm season. Review your homeowners policy annually to ensure replacement cost coverage keeps pace with home values.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Henderson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Henderson County
Risk Verdict
Henderson County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 18th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 18th percentile national ranking is one lens; Henderson County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Henderson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 29th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (25th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Henderson County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 29th percentile nationally. In Henderson County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 28th percentile nationally means Henderson County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Henderson County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Henderson County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Illinois county average, Henderson County's composite score runs 36.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Henderson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Henderson County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Henderson County?
How does Henderson County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Henderson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Henderson 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.