Kankakee County Disaster Risk
Kankakee County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
88th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
92th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kankakee County, Illinois
Kankakee County ranks as relatively moderate risk
Kankakee County's composite risk score of 88.23 exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46 by 62%, earning a relatively moderate risk rating. The county's primary exposure stems from exceptionally high flood (92.46) and tornado (85.91) risks, making it one of the state's more vulnerable areas.
Second-highest risk among Illinois counties
At 88.23, Kankakee County ranks among the very highest-risk counties in Illinois, exceeded only by a handful of counties including Kane County. The county's flood and tornado scores are among the most severe statewide.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Kankakee County's 88.23 score substantially exceeds Kendall County (80.25) to the west and Johnson County (51.08) to the south. Only Kane County to the north approaches similar risk levels in the region.
Floods and tornadoes create urgent hazards
Kankakee County faces exceptional flood risk of 92.46 and tornado risk of 85.91, both among the highest in Illinois. Earthquake risk of 80.47 rounds out the county's multi-hazard profile, though wildfire exposure remains manageable at 20.26.
Flood and storm insurance are essential
Kankakee County residents must maintain active flood insurance and comprehensive homeowners coverage for tornado damage—these are non-negotiable given the county's extreme exposure. Elevating utilities, installing storm shutters, and identifying a safe room are practical protective measures for this high-risk location.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kankakee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kankakee County
Risk Verdict
At the 88th percentile nationally, Kankakee 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 Kankakee County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Kankakee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (80th percentile), hurricane (27th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 92th percentile nationally for flood risk, Kankakee County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 86th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Kankakee County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Illinois county average is 33.8 composite points below Kankakee County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Kankakee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kankakee County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Kankakee County?
How does Kankakee County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Kankakee County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kankakee 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.