Morgan County Disaster Risk
Morgan County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
71th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
61th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% 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 50% 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 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Morgan County, Illinois
Morgan County's disaster risk above national norm
Morgan County's composite risk score of 71.12 exceeds the national average, reflecting above-typical exposure to natural hazards. The relatively low risk rating indicates moderate concern, though residents face more disaster threats than most U.S. counties.
Among Illinois's highest-risk counties
Morgan County's composite score of 71.12 substantially exceeds Illinois's 54.46 average, placing it firmly in the higher-risk tier statewide. Only a handful of Illinois counties face comparable or greater natural disaster exposure.
Riskiest in central Illinois cluster
Morgan County (71.12) carries higher risk than Montgomery County (65.39), Ogle County (71.09), and significantly outpaces Monroe County (41.86) and Mercer County (8.78). Residents face the most hazard exposure among nearby counties.
Earthquakes and floods top the threat list
Earthquake risk (81.68) and flood risk (61.23) represent Morgan County's primary hazards, both well above state averages. Tornado risk (49.59) adds to the concern, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 1.84.
Comprehensive protection is crucial
Morgan County homeowners must prioritize earthquake insurance and flood insurance alongside standard homeowners coverage. Given the elevated earthquake and flood risks, reviewing and updating policies annually is essential.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Morgan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Morgan County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 71th, Morgan County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Morgan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (50th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile), wildfire (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Morgan County households benefit from practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On — the protocol that minimizes injury during shaking. Getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on until shaking stops is the key action. The county's flood risk at the 61th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Morgan County: structures built before local seismic code adoption are statistically more vulnerable. Contacting the local building department about retrofit programs can reveal whether your structure qualifies for mitigation assistance.
Regional Context
At 16.7 points above the Illinois state average, Morgan County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Illinois county.
Is your household prepared for Morgan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Morgan County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Morgan County?
How does Morgan County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Morgan County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Morgan 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.