Macon County Disaster Risk
Macon County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
83th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
83th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Macon County, Illinois
Macon County faces moderate-high risk
With a composite risk score of 83.3 and a relatively moderate rating, Macon County ranks above the national average across multiple hazard categories. Tornado, flood, and earthquake risks all contribute significantly to this elevated score.
Among Illinois' higher-risk counties
Macon County's score of 83.3 substantially exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.5, ranking it in the upper tier of county risk statewide. This county faces considerably above-average disaster exposure compared to most of Illinois.
Riskier than most area counties
Macon County's score of 83.3 exceeds neighboring Logan County (58.1) and Macoupin County (79.9). Its tornado risk of 86.1 and earthquake risk of 89.9 position it as one of the region's more hazard-prone areas.
Tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods combine
Macon County residents face a tornado risk of 86.1, an earthquake risk of 89.9, and a flood risk of 83.3—an unusually potent combination of major hazards. Each of these three threats individually warrants serious preparedness planning.
Secure multi-hazard coverage today
Macon County homeowners must obtain flood insurance separately, as standard policies don't cover flood damage, and should evaluate earthquake insurance given the county's 89.9 earthquake risk. Verify that wind and hail coverage is robust enough to handle tornado damage, making comprehensive protection your priority.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Macon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Macon County
Risk Verdict
Macon County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Macon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (83th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile), wildfire (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Macon County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Alongside earthquake exposure, Macon County's tornado risk at the 86th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Macon County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.
Regional Context
Macon County's composite risk score sits 28.8 points above the Illinois county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Macon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Macon County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Macon County?
How does Macon County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Macon County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Macon 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.