riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Randolph County Disaster Risk

Randolph County, Illinois

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

79th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#26

of 102 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

58th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 58% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 6% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 80% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 96% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 44% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Randolph County, Illinois

Randolph County faces above-average disaster risk

Randolph County's composite risk score of 78.63 is significantly higher than the national average and 44% above Illinois's statewide average of 54.46, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This makes Randolph one of Illinois's more hazard-exposed counties, comparable to the risk levels of moderately vulnerable U.S. communities.

Randolph ranks among Illinois's riskiest

With a score of 78.63, Randolph County ranks in the top 10% of Illinois's 102 counties for natural disaster risk, placing it among the state's most vulnerable jurisdictions. This elevated standing reflects significant exposure to earthquakes, tornadoes, and flooding.

Randolph is the region's riskiest county

Randolph County's 78.63 score is the highest in its region, substantially exceeding Perry County (72.07) and Richland County (46.66), making it southwestern Illinois's most hazard-exposed jurisdiction. This elevated risk profile demands proactive emergency preparedness from residents and businesses.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate risks

Randolph County faces the state's highest tornado risk at 80.12 and near-highest earthquake risk at 95.52, combined with significant flood exposure at 57.82. These three hazards—particularly tornadoes and seismic activity—should drive emergency planning and property protection decisions.

Prioritize earthquake and tornado coverage

Randolph County residents must secure standalone earthquake insurance, as standard policies exclude seismic damage, and verify that wind/hail protection covers tornado damage. With the state's highest tornado risk and near-highest earthquake exposure, these specialized coverages are critical investments for protecting your home.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Randolph County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    96th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    80th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    58th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Randolph County

Risk Verdict

Randolph County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Randolph County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (58th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Randolph County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Alongside earthquake exposure, Randolph County's tornado risk at the 80th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Randolph County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Randolph County's composite risk score sits 24.2 points above the Illinois county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Randolph County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Randolph County, IL?
Randolph County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 79th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Randolph County?
Randolph County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (96th percentile), tornado (80th percentile), flooding (58th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 96th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Randolph County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Randolph County's composite risk percentile is 79th, compared to the Illinois state average of 55th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Randolph County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Illinois.
Is Randolph County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Randolph County's earthquake risk is at the 96th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Randolph County is at the 58th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Randolph County higher risk than average?
Randolph County's composite risk score of 79th percentile is above the Illinois state average of 55th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (96th percentile), along with tornado and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Vermilion County

Illinois

+0.2

Relatively Low

79th percentile

Macoupin County

Illinois

+1.3

Relatively Low

80th percentile

Jefferson County

Illinois

-1.4

Relatively Low

77th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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