Livingston County Disaster Risk
Livingston County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
72th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% 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 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Livingston County, Illinois
Livingston County faces moderate risk
With a composite risk score of 71.8 and a relatively low rating, Livingston County sits somewhat above the national average. Elevated flood risk and moderate tornado exposure drive this score, though the overall profile remains manageable.
Above state average but not extreme
Livingston County's score of 71.8 exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.5, placing it in the upper-middle range of county risk statewide. The county experiences above-average disaster exposure without reaching high-risk status.
Moderate risk within the region
Livingston County's score of 71.8 sits between Lee County (54.4) and LaSalle County (86.1). Its flood risk of 81.1 is notably elevated compared to immediate neighbors, reflecting the county's vulnerability to water hazards.
Flooding is your dominant hazard
Livingston County's flood risk score of 81.1 is the county's primary concern, significantly exceeding its tornado risk of 52.5. Major precipitation events and river flooding pose the greatest threats to property and safety in this county.
Flood insurance is non-negotiable
Livingston County's 81.1 flood risk makes flood insurance a critical investment for all homeowners, not just those in mapped flood zones. Secure coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier to protect against what statistically is your county's largest natural disaster threat.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Livingston County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Livingston County
Risk Verdict
Livingston County's FEMA risk score places it at the 72th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Livingston County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (52th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for flood risk, Livingston 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. 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. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Livingston 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 17.3 composite points below Livingston County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Livingston County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Livingston County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Livingston County?
How does Livingston County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Livingston County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Livingston 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.