Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
93th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
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 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Illinois
Madison ranks above national average
Madison County's composite risk score of 93.42 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, well above the state average of 54.46. This elevated risk profile means residents face greater exposure to multiple natural hazards compared to typical Illinois counties.
Among Illinois's most at-risk counties
Madison County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Illinois, driven by exceptionally high tornado and earthquake scores of 97.61 and 97.07 respectively. Its flood risk of 92.27 further compounds vulnerability across the county.
Significantly riskier than neighboring counties
Madison's composite score of 93.42 far exceeds nearby Marion County (77.13) and Massac County (61.61), making it a notable outlier in southwestern Illinois. This difference is primarily driven by Madison's extreme tornado and earthquake susceptibility.
Tornadoes and earthquakes pose urgent threats
Madison County residents face a tornado risk score of 97.61—among the highest in the state—and an earthquake risk of 97.07, both demanding serious preparedness. Flooding also presents substantial danger with a risk score of 92.27, particularly near the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
Comprehensive coverage is essential here
Standard homeowners policies typically exclude tornado and earthquake damage, making separate coverage critical for Madison County residents. Given the county's high composite risk score, consider adding umbrella liability insurance and ensuring your property can withstand severe weather.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
At the 93th percentile nationally, Madison 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 Madison County residents.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 97th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (92th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 98th percentile nationally makes Madison County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 97th percentile nationally means Madison County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Madison County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Illinois county average is 39.0 composite points below Madison County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Madison County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Madison 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.