Iroquois County Disaster Risk
Iroquois County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
74th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
80th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Iroquois County, Illinois
Iroquois County carries substantial risk
Iroquois County scores 73.95 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating that significantly exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.46 by 36%. Your county experiences substantially higher natural disaster risk than typical Illinois communities, particularly from flooding and tornadoes. This elevated position reflects above-average exposure to multiple major hazard types.
Above-average risk among peers
Iroquois County ranks notably above the Illinois state average of 54.46 with a composite score of 73.95, placing it in the upper-middle band of state hazard exposure. Only Jackson County (87.12) among profiled peers faces significantly more risk; Iroquois' higher-than-average position is driven primarily by flood exposure (79.58) and tornado vulnerability (57.19). This standing demands proactive hazard preparedness.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Iroquois County's 73.95 score substantially exceeds safer neighbors like Hardin (8.30), Henderson (17.53), and Hancock (31.08), making it the riskiest in the broader region except for Jackson County. Henry County (57.09) poses lower overall risk, while Jackson County (87.12) carries notably more hazard exposure. This elevation reflects Iroquois' agricultural landscape and vulnerability to river flooding and severe convective storms.
Flooding and tornadoes dominate
Flooding represents the highest hazard at 79.58—nearly 60% higher than the state average—making Iroquois County vulnerable to inundation from swollen rivers, streams, and saturated soils during wet periods. Tornadoes rank second at 57.19, a significant seasonal threat that can cause catastrophic damage to homes and infrastructure throughout spring and early summer. Earthquakes (71.06) and hurricanes (30.58) pose secondary but real risks that deserve preparation.
Critical protections for Iroquois
Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Iroquois County—obtain it immediately if you lack coverage, as your elevated flood risk (79.58) puts property at genuine hazard and many mortgage lenders require it. Tornado preparedness is equally vital: construct or identify a reinforced safe room, practice sheltering drills with your household, and monitor weather actively during severe thunderstorm seasons. Review earthquake coverage options with your insurance agent; the moderate risk (71.06) combined with potential structural damage makes it a worthwhile investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Iroquois County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Iroquois County
Risk Verdict
Iroquois County ranks at the 74th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Iroquois County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (57th percentile), hurricane (31th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Iroquois County sits at the 80th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Secondary earthquake exposure at the 71th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Iroquois County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
Compared to other Illinois counties, Iroquois County runs 19.5 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Iroquois County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Iroquois County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Iroquois County?
How does Iroquois County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Iroquois County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Iroquois 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.