Knox County Disaster Risk
Knox County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% 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 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Knox County, Illinois
Knox County slightly exceeds state average risk
Knox County's composite risk score of 57.16 slightly exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the relatively low-risk category. The county's profile reflects balanced exposure across multiple hazards without severe vulnerability to any single threat.
Slightly above-average risk statewide
With a score of 57.16 versus the state average of 54.46, Knox County ranks just above the midpoint in statewide risk. Tornado exposure of 67.81 drives the county's overall score, while flood and earthquake risks remain moderate.
Comparable to nearby rural counties
Knox County's 57.16 score exceeds Jo Daviess County (51.30) and Johnson County (51.08) but trails Kendall County (80.25) and Jefferson County (77.23). This positions it among the safer counties in its region.
Tornadoes pose the main hazard
Knox County's tornado risk of 67.81 is its most significant natural disaster threat, though still below statewide averages for the most vulnerable counties. Flood risk of 49.36 and earthquake risk of 58.43 are moderate, while wildfire risk of 1.11 is virtually nonexistent.
Standard coverage with tornado focus
Knox County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with special attention to tornado coverage or purchase a separate rider. Consider developing a family emergency plan and identifying a safe room, as tornado remains the most likely significant hazard for this location.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Knox County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Knox County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 57th, Knox County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Knox County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (49th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 68th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Knox County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 58th percentile nationally means Knox County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Knox County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Knox County tracks the Illinois county average closely, sitting 2.7 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Illinois.
Is your household prepared for Knox County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Knox County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Knox County?
How does Knox County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Knox County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Knox 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.