Menard County Disaster Risk
Menard County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#82
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Menard County, Illinois
Menard County's disaster risk well below average
With a composite risk score of 28.69, Menard County faces significantly lower natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This very low risk rating means residents can expect fewer severe weather events and geological hazards compared to most of the nation.
Among Illinois's safest counties
Menard County ranks among the lower-risk counties statewide, with a composite score nearly 50% below Illinois's average of 54.46. Only a handful of Illinois counties experience less overall disaster risk than Menard.
Safer than most central Illinois neighbors
Menard County's risk profile compares favorably to nearby Mercer County (8.78) and substantially outperforms Montgomery County (65.39) and Morgan County (71.12). Residents here enjoy more protection from natural hazards than those in surrounding central Illinois communities.
Earthquakes and tornadoes pose highest threats
Earthquake risk (68.03) and tornado risk (53.18) represent Menard County's primary natural hazard concerns, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk is moderate at 29.36, while wildfire risk is minimal at 3.59.
Smart coverage for real risks
While Menard County faces lower overall disaster risk, homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance and a comprehensive homeowners policy that covers tornado damage. Standard policies often exclude earthquake coverage, making a separate policy worth exploring for this region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Menard County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Menard County
Risk Verdict
Menard County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 29th percentile nationally. At the 29th percentile nationally, Menard County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Menard County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (29th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Menard County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 68th 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. Tornado at the 53th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Menard County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Menard 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
The Illinois county average exceeds Menard County's score by 25.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Menard County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Menard County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Menard County?
How does Menard County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Menard County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Menard 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.