Scott County Disaster Risk
Scott County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
3th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#102
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
5th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scott County, Illinois
Scott ranks as one of safest
Scott County scores just 2.77 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it among the safest counties in Illinois. This score is approximately 95% below the state average of 54.46, indicating exceptionally minimal natural disaster exposure.
Illinois's lowest-risk county
Scott County is effectively the lowest-risk county in Illinois, with its 2.77 composite score surpassing virtually every other county in the state. The county experiences minimal exposure to all major disaster types, from tornadoes to earthquakes to flooding.
Safest in the tri-county area
Scott County's 2.77 score makes it safer than even its very-low-risk neighbors Stark County (7.25) and Schuyler County (11.36). The county's protection extends across all hazard types, reflecting stable geology, predictable weather patterns, and low riverine flood exposure.
Risks remain essentially negligible
Scott County's highest risk remains tornado exposure at 15.24, which is far below state norms and represents a minor threat in practical terms. All other hazards—flood, earthquake, hurricane, and wildfire—score below 10, making natural disaster an extraordinarily rare concern.
Standard coverage meets all needs
Scott County homeowners need only standard homeowners insurance and basic storm preparedness—flood insurance is optional unless in a mapped flood zone. The county's exceptional safety profile allows residents to focus insurance budgets on other priorities with confidence.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scott County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scott County
Risk Verdict
Scott County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 3th percentile nationally. The 3th percentile national ranking is one lens; Scott County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Scott County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 29th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 15th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (9th percentile), flood (5th percentile), wildfire (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake risk is Scott County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 29th 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. Tornado at the 15th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Scott County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Scott 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
The Illinois county average exceeds Scott County's score by 51.7 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Scott County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scott County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Scott County?
How does Scott County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Scott County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Scott 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.