Jersey County Disaster Risk
Jersey County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
19th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#90
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jersey County, Illinois
Jersey County offers the safest risk profile
At 18.86, Jersey County's composite risk score ranks among the lowest in Illinois and well below the state average of 54.46. This very low risk rating reflects relatively minimal exposure to most natural hazards, though earthquake risk remains a statewide consideration.
Safest disaster risk in Illinois
Jersey County ranks as one of the lowest-risk counties statewide with a score of just 18.86 versus the state average of 54.46. The county's wildfire risk of 0.48 is nearly nonexistent, and tornado and flood risks remain substantially below statewide norms.
Significantly safer than surrounding areas
Jersey County's 18.86 score is dramatically lower than Jo Daviess County (51.30) to the north and Jefferson County (77.23) to the east. Among regional peers, Jersey stands out as the safest choice for disaster risk exposure.
Tornado and earthquake are minor concerns
Jersey County's highest individual risk scores are tornado (38.07) and earthquake (64.28), both well below statewide averages. Flood risk of 18.03 and wildfire risk near zero suggest this county experiences minimal multi-hazard exposure compared to neighbors.
Standard coverage generally sufficient here
Jersey County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider adding earthquake coverage as a cost-effective precaution given statewide seismic activity, but major natural disaster preparedness is less urgent than in higher-risk counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jersey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jersey County
Risk Verdict
Jersey County's overall natural disaster score at the 19th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Jersey County can use the 19th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Jersey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 38th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (18th percentile), hurricane (9th percentile), wildfire (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 64th percentile nationally puts Jersey County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 38th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Jersey County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Jersey County's composite risk score sits 35.6 points below the Illinois county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Jersey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jersey County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Jersey County?
How does Jersey County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Jersey County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jersey 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.