Tazewell County Disaster Risk
Tazewell County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
84th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% 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
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Tazewell County, Illinois
Tazewell faces elevated national risk
With a composite risk score of 84.19, Tazewell County ranks among the higher-risk counties nationally for natural disasters. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects substantial exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.
Illinois's highest-risk county surveyed
Tazewell's 84.19 score is the highest among the eight Illinois counties evaluated here, and substantially exceeds the state average of 54.46. The county faces notably elevated risk across nearly every natural disaster category.
Significantly riskier than surrounding counties
Tazewell (84.19) far exceeds the risk profiles of neighboring counties like Stephenson (73.92) and Vermilion (78.82) to the north and east. Its high earthquake (79.71) and tornado (90.49) scores make it the riskiest county in this immediate region.
Tornadoes pose the greatest threat
Tornado risk reaches 90.49 in Tazewell—among the highest in the nation—and flood risk stands at 84.35, both commanding immediate attention. Earthquake risk (79.71) also exceeds many peers, adding a seismic dimension to your county's hazard profile.
Invest in comprehensive protection now
Flood insurance is essential given your 84.35 flood risk; standard policies leave you vulnerable to water damage. A reinforced safe room or storm shelter is a critical upgrade for tornado protection, and ensure your policy explicitly covers wind, hail, and earthquake damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Tazewell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Tazewell County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 84th percentile, Tazewell County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Tazewell County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Tazewell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (80th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 90th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Tazewell County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 84th percentile nationally means Tazewell County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Tazewell County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 29.7 points above the Illinois state average, Tazewell County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Illinois county.
Is your household prepared for Tazewell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Tazewell County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Tazewell County?
How does Tazewell County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Tazewell County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Tazewell County higher risk than average?
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.