Moultrie County Disaster Risk
Moultrie County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
45th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#63
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% 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 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Moultrie County, Illinois
Moultrie County's risk approaches national average
Moultrie County's composite risk score of 45.04 falls below the national average, reflecting relatively moderate natural disaster exposure. The relatively low risk rating indicates managed but meaningful hazard concerns.
Safer than Illinois average, but moderate threats
Moultrie County's composite score of 45.04 falls below Illinois's 54.46 state average, placing it in the safer half of counties statewide. Several Illinois counties face higher risk, though some neighbors rank substantially lower.
Moderate risk for central Illinois
Moultrie County (45.04) sits between safer Mercer County (8.78) and higher-risk Ogle County (71.09) and Morgan County (71.12). Its risk profile represents the middle range for central Illinois counties.
Earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes threaten region
Earthquake risk (75.16), flood risk (49.08), and tornado risk (45.90) represent Moultrie County's primary concerns. Hurricane risk (33.67) is also noteworthy, while wildfire risk remains low at 4.33.
Multi-hazard insurance approach recommended
Moultrie County residents should secure earthquake insurance and flood insurance in addition to comprehensive homeowners coverage. This layered approach protects against the county's multiple significant hazard threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Moultrie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Moultrie County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Moultrie County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 45th percentile. Moultrie County's 45th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Moultrie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (46th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 75th percentile nationally puts Moultrie County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Moultrie County's flood risk at the 49th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Moultrie County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Moultrie County's composite risk score sits 9.4 points below the Illinois county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Moultrie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Moultrie County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Moultrie County?
How does Moultrie County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Moultrie County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Moultrie 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.