Henry County Disaster Risk
Henry County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Henry County, Illinois
Henry County faces elevated risk
Henry County scores 57.09 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating that slightly exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.46. Your county experiences roughly the same natural disaster risk as typical Illinois communities, with notable exposure to tornadoes and flooding. This mid-range position reflects a blend of moderate-to-high hazard exposure across multiple disaster types.
Above-average risk among Illinois counties
Henry County ranks slightly above the Illinois state average of 54.46 with a composite score of 57.09, placing it in the middle band of state hazard exposure. While many Illinois counties face lower risk, others experience substantially more—Henry's position reflects above-average vulnerability to tornadoes (70.36) and flooding (51.53). This intermediate standing calls for proactive hazard preparedness across multiple threat types.
Riskier than safer neighbors
Henry County's 57.09 risk score significantly exceeds nearby Henderson County (17.53), Hancock County (31.08), and Hardin County (8.30), making it the riskiest in the immediate region. Jackson County (87.12) to the southeast faces substantially more hazard exposure, driven by higher earthquake and flood risks. Hamilton County (30.82), though safer, still faces considerably less overall risk than Henry.
Tornadoes and flooding dominate
Tornadoes represent the highest hazard at 70.36, making Henry County vulnerable to powerful springtime storms that can cause severe property damage and injury—this is a critical preparedness priority. Flooding ranks second at 51.53, reflecting exposure to river systems and flood-prone areas where water damage can devastate homes and infrastructure. Earthquakes (58.11) and wildfire (7.12) pose tertiary but real risks worth acknowledging.
Essential protections for Henry County
Flood insurance is crucial in Henry County given your elevated flood risk (51.53)—most properties in mapped flood zones are required to carry it, and it's prudent for others as well. Tornado preparedness is non-negotiable: identify and stock a safe room, establish family communication protocols, and stay weather-aware during spring months. Consider earthquake coverage as well, given the moderate seismic risk (58.11), and review all policies annually to ensure adequate coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Henry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Henry County
Risk Verdict
Henry County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 57th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Henry County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Henry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (52th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile), wildfire (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Henry County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 70th percentile nationally. For Henry County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 58th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Henry County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Henry County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
At just 2.6 composite points from the Illinois average, Henry County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Henry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Henry County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Henry County?
How does Henry County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Henry County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Henry 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.