Jackson County Disaster Risk
Jackson County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
87th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% 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 High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jackson County, Illinois
Jackson County faces highest risk
Jackson County scores 87.12 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating that far exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.46 by 60%. Your county experiences the highest natural disaster risk among all eight profiled counties, with above-average exposure to flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. This elevated position demands comprehensive hazard preparedness across multiple threat types.
Highest risk in profiled Illinois counties
Jackson County ranks substantially above the Illinois state average of 54.46 with a composite score of 87.12, placing it in the upper tier of state hazard exposure. Among the eight counties profiled, Jackson faces the single highest overall natural disaster risk, driven by substantial exposure to earthquakes (96.72), flooding (76.53), and tornadoes (74.20). This elevated standing reflects geographic factors that concentrate multiple hazards in one location.
Riskier than all nearby counties
Jackson County's 87.12 risk score substantially exceeds all neighboring counties profiled, including the next-riskiest Iroquois County (73.95) and dramatically outpacing safer peers like Hardin (8.30) and Henderson (17.53). No other county in this analysis faces comparable cumulative disaster exposure, making Jackson County unique in its hazard burden. This elevation reflects both Jackson's geographic position and the confluence of multiple natural hazard zones.
Earthquakes, flooding, and tornadoes
Earthquakes pose the highest risk at 96.72—the most elevated score among all counties analyzed—reflecting Jackson's position in a seismically active region where significant tremors can damage structures and foundations. Flooding ranks second at 76.53, driven by exposure to rivers and flood-prone areas where sustained inundation threatens homes and infrastructure. Tornadoes at 74.20 and hurricanes at 43.35 complete a suite of hazards that no other profiled county matches in intensity.
Comprehensive protection is essential
Earthquake insurance is critical in Jackson County—at 96.72, your seismic risk is the highest among all profiled counties, and standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage entirely. Flood insurance is equally non-negotiable given your 76.53 flood risk; obtain coverage immediately if you lack it, as many properties face genuine inundation hazards. Invest in tornado preparedness with a reinforced safe room, establish family communication protocols, and maintain all coverage with annual policy reviews to ensure adequate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jackson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jackson County
Risk Verdict
At the 87th percentile nationally, Jackson County sits in the upper half of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. At this risk level, having a documented household preparedness plan — not just awareness — is the meaningful next step for Jackson County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Jackson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 77th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (74th percentile), hurricane (43th percentile), wildfire (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 97th percentile nationally, Jackson County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. The county's flood risk at the 77th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Earthquake insurance in Jackson County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
The Illinois county average is 32.7 composite points below Jackson County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Jackson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jackson County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Jackson County?
How does Jackson County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Jackson County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Jackson 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.