Monroe County Disaster Risk
Monroe County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
32th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% 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 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Monroe County, Illinois
Monroe County's risk sits below national average
Monroe County's composite risk score of 41.86 places it meaningfully below the national average, though not as low as some Illinois peers. The very low risk rating reflects relatively limited exposure to major natural disasters.
Middle ground among Illinois counties
Monroe County's composite score of 41.86 falls noticeably below Illinois's 54.46 state average, putting it in the safer half statewide. Several Illinois counties face higher risk, though some neighbors rank lower.
Moderate risk compared to nearby areas
Monroe County (41.86) sits between safer Mercer County (8.78) and riskier Montgomery County (65.39) and Morgan County (71.12). Its risk profile places it closer to the safer end of the southwestern Illinois spectrum.
Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate the picture
Earthquake risk (84.54) and tornado risk (58.33) are Monroe County's primary concerns, with earthquake risk notably elevated compared to state averages. Flood risk reaches 32.28, while wildfire and hurricane risks remain low.
Earthquake insurance becomes important here
Monroe County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance plus a separate earthquake policy, given the elevated seismic risk. A strong policy covering tornado, wind, and hail damage is equally essential in this region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Monroe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Monroe County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Monroe County ranks at the 42th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Even at the 42th percentile, Monroe County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Monroe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (32th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 85th percentile nationally, Monroe County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Alongside earthquake exposure, Monroe County's tornado risk at the 58th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Earthquake insurance in Monroe County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 12.6 points below the Illinois state average, Monroe County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Monroe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Monroe County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Monroe County?
How does Monroe County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Monroe County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Monroe 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.