Mason County Disaster Risk
Mason County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% 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 64% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mason County, Illinois
Mason County's risk sits below average
Mason County's composite risk score of 43.03 places it in the Relatively Low category, below Illinois's state average of 54.46. This indicates manageable natural disaster risk for most residents.
Lower-risk county in Illinois
Mason County ranks in the safer half of Illinois counties, with exceptionally low wildfire risk (1.62) and flood risk (47.20). Earthquake exposure of 63.77 is moderate, while tornado risk of 52.07 remains below state averages.
Among the safer central Illinois counties
Mason County's score of 43.03 is comparable to nearby McDonough County (37.53) and substantially safer than Marshall County's 27.23. It remains far safer than the higher-risk counties of southwestern Illinois.
Flooding poses the most significant threat
Mason County's flood risk of 47.20 represents its greatest vulnerability, though still below the state average. Tornado and earthquake risks are moderate, with scores of 52.07 and 63.77 respectively.
Focus on flood insurance coverage
Mason County residents should prioritize flood insurance, especially those near rivers or low-lying areas, as standard policies exclude water damage. A basic homeowners policy combined with flood coverage provides solid protection for most Mason County properties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mason County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mason County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Mason County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 43th percentile. A 43th percentile score positions Mason County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Mason County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (47th percentile), hurricane (23th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 64th percentile nationally puts Mason County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's tornado risk at the 52th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Mason County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Mason County's composite risk score sits 11.4 points below the Illinois county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Mason County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mason County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Mason County?
How does Mason County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Mason County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mason County a safe place to live?
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.