McLean County Disaster Risk
McLean County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
87th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
85th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McLean County, Illinois
McLean faces elevated risk statewide
McLean County's composite risk score of 86.90 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, significantly above Illinois's state average of 54.46. This positions McLean among the state's higher-risk counties for natural disasters.
High-risk county in central Illinois
McLean County ranks among Illinois's most at-risk counties, with particularly high tornado (89.57), flood (85.18), and earthquake (82.25) scores. Only its wildfire risk of 8.87 remains low, making it vulnerable across most hazard types.
Significantly riskier than peers
McLean County's composite score of 86.90 is comparable to McHenry County (90.78) and substantially higher than neighboring Mason County (43.03) and Marshall County (27.23). This makes McLean a notable hot spot in central Illinois.
Tornadoes, flooding, and earthquakes threaten
McLean County residents face exceptional tornado risk (89.57) and significant flood risk (85.18), coupled with moderate-to-high earthquake exposure (82.25). These three hazards collectively create a complex risk landscape requiring multi-layered preparedness.
Comprehensive coverage is essential
McLean County's high composite risk score demands robust insurance protection including flood coverage and separate earthquake insurance, as standard policies exclude both. Ensure your home has adequate shelter infrastructure and that your family has a detailed emergency action plan.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McLean County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McLean County
Risk Verdict
McLean County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 87th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in McLean County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is McLean County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 85th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (82th percentile), hurricane (32th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
McLean County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 90th percentile nationally. In McLean County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 85th percentile nationally means McLean County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when McLean County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to McLean County households.
Regional Context
McLean County falls 32.4 points above Illinois's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for McLean County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McLean County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect McLean County?
How does McLean County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is McLean County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McLean 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.