Stark County Disaster Risk
Stark County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#99
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Stark County, Illinois
Stark ranks among safest counties
Stark County scores just 7.25 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it 87% below Illinois's state average of 54.46. This north-central county enjoys exceptional protection from natural disasters across all major hazard categories.
Second-safest in Illinois
Stark ranks among the very lowest-risk counties in Illinois, with its 7.25 score surpassing approximately 98% of the state's peers. Only Scott County (2.77) maintains lower composite risk, making Stark a genuinely safe haven for natural disaster exposure.
Safest in northern region
Stark's 7.25 score places it among the region's safest counties, comparable to nearby Schuyler County (11.36) and Scott County (2.77). The county benefits from stable geology, low riverine flood exposure, and reduced severe weather frequency compared to southern Illinois.
All risks remain minimal
Stark County's highest risk is tornadoes at 25.70, which remains well below state averages and represents minimal practical threat. Earthquake risk at 30.41 and flood risk at 11.16 are both negligible, while wildfire and hurricane risks are essentially non-existent.
Basic homeowners coverage adequate
Stark County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance with confidence, supplemented only by flood insurance if in a mapped flood zone. The county's exceptional safety profile allows homeowners to allocate insurance budgets efficiently while maintaining full protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Stark County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Stark County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Stark County ranks at the 7th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Stark County's favorable 7th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Stark County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 30th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 26th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (11th percentile), hurricane (10th percentile), wildfire (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 30th percentile nationally, Stark County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. Alongside earthquake exposure, Stark County's tornado risk at the 26th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Earthquake insurance in Stark County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 47.2 points below the Illinois state average, Stark County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Stark County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Stark County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Stark County?
How does Stark County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Stark County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Stark 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.