Marion County Disaster Risk
Marion County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% 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 Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marion County, Illinois
Marion sits slightly above state average
Marion County's composite risk score of 77.13 places it in the Relatively Low category, above Illinois's state average of 54.46. While this indicates moderate risk exposure, it's considerably lower than the highest-risk counties statewide.
Mid-range risk profile for Illinois
Marion County ranks in the middle tier of Illinois counties by disaster risk, with notable vulnerability to earthquakes (95.04) and tornadoes (70.55). Its flood risk of 68.13 reflects exposure to central Illinois water systems.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Marion's composite score of 77.13 significantly exceeds neighboring Marshall County (27.23) and McDonough County (37.53), though it remains lower than Madison County to the north (93.42). This variation reflects Marion's particular exposure to seismic activity.
Earthquake risk drives Marion's profile
Marion County's earthquake risk score of 95.04 is exceptionally high and represents the primary driver of its overall risk profile. Tornadoes (70.55) and flooding (68.13) also warrant serious attention and preparation.
Earthquake insurance should be a priority
Marion County's extreme earthquake risk makes standalone earthquake coverage a smart investment—standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage. Additionally, ensure adequate flood insurance, particularly if your property sits near waterways or in historically flood-prone areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marion County
Risk Verdict
Marion County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 77th percentile across all U.S. counties. Marion County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Marion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (68th percentile), hurricane (41th percentile), wildfire (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 95th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Marion County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Alongside earthquake exposure, Marion County's tornado risk at the 71th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. For Marion County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 22.7 points above the Illinois state average puts Marion County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Marion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marion County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Marion County?
How does Marion County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Marion County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Marion 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.