Mercer County Disaster Risk
Mercer County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
9th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#97
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mercer County, Illinois
Mercer County ranks among nation's safest
Mercer County's composite risk score of 8.78 places it well below the national average, earning a very low risk rating. This county experiences substantially less exposure to major natural disasters than most U.S. counties.
Illinois's lowest-risk county
With a composite score less than one-sixth of Illinois's 54.46 average, Mercer County is the safest county in the state by this measure. No Illinois county ranks notably lower for overall natural disaster risk.
Significantly safer than surrounding counties
Mercer County's risk score of 8.78 is dramatically lower than neighboring Menard County (28.69), Monroe County (41.86), and Morgan County (71.12). Residents here enjoy exceptional protection from natural hazards compared to the broader central Illinois region.
Earthquakes the primary concern
Earthquake risk (24.68) and tornado risk (22.52) represent Mercer County's top hazards, both well below state levels. Flood (9.16), wildfire (1.08), and hurricane (11.31) risks are all minimal in this county.
Focus on standard homeowner protection
A solid homeowners insurance policy covering tornado and wind damage provides adequate protection for Mercer County residents. While earthquake risk remains low, adding earthquake coverage offers inexpensive peace of mind in this exceptionally safe region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mercer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mercer County
Risk Verdict
At the 9th percentile nationally, Mercer County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. The 9th percentile national ranking is one lens; Mercer County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Mercer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 25th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 23th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (11th percentile), flood (9th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Mercer County ranks at the 25th percentile nationally for earthquake risk. Unlike most natural hazards, earthquakes provide no advance warning; preparedness here means structural adjustments and a practiced response, not alert monitoring. The county's tornado risk at the 23th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. For earthquake preparedness, Mercer County's county emergency management office often maintains a list of community water supply points, Red Cross shelter locations, and post-quake assistance programs — useful resources to identify before an event occurs.
Regional Context
A composite score 45.7 points below the Illinois state average puts Mercer County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Mercer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mercer County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Mercer County?
How does Mercer County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Mercer County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mercer 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.