Pope County Disaster Risk
Pope County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#93
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
17th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% 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 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pope County, Illinois
Pope County is Illinois's lowest-risk county
Pope County's composite risk score of 14.89 is among the absolute lowest in the United States and 73% below Illinois's statewide average of 54.46, earning the "Very Low" designation. This exceptional safety from natural disasters places Pope County among America's most protected communities.
Pope ranks as Illinois's safest county
Pope County's 14.89 score is the lowest in Illinois, ranking it at the very bottom of disaster risk across the state's 102 counties. This standout position reflects Pope's distance from major seismic zones, low tornado frequency, and minimal flood and wildfire exposure.
Pope leads its region in safety margins
Pope County's 14.89 score is substantially lower than its neighbors, including Pulaski County (49.05) and Richland County (46.66), making it a distinctly safer jurisdiction in southern Illinois. Only Putnam County (9.16) scores lower across the entire region.
Even Pope's top risks are minimal
Pope County's highest individual risk is earthquake at 82.12, though this remains well below state-leading counties; tornado risk sits at 29.68 and flood risk at 17.24, both minimal. The county's overall hazard environment is exceptionally benign compared to national and state norms.
Minimal coverage needs match minimal risks
Pope County homeowners typically can rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized earthquake or flood riders, given the county's exceptional safety profile. A standard policy with wind/hail coverage is usually sufficient to address Pope County's negligible natural disaster exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pope County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pope County
Risk Verdict
Pope County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 15th percentile nationally. The 15th percentile national ranking is one lens; Pope County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Pope County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (26th percentile), flood (17th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for earthquake exposure, Pope 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Pope County's tornado risk at the 30th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Building age matters for earthquake risk in Pope 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
Pope County falls 39.6 points below Illinois's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Pope County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pope County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Pope County?
How does Pope County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Pope County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pope 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.