Union County Disaster Risk
Union County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
55th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Union County, Illinois
Union County near national risk average
With a composite risk score of 55.38, Union County sits just above the national median for natural disaster risk. This "Relatively Low" rating masks significant earthquake exposure (90.14), which is exceptionally high despite moderate overall risk.
Slightly below Illinois average
Union's 55.38 score edges slightly below the Illinois state average of 54.46, making it one of the safer counties statewide. However, its earthquake risk places it among the state's most seismically vulnerable counties.
Similar risk to Washington County
Union County's 55.38 score closely mirrors nearby Washington County (55.15), both sitting in the lower-risk zone. Both counties share elevated earthquake exposure that distinguishes them from lower-risk peers like Wabash County (24.84).
Earthquake risk dominates the profile
Earthquake risk of 90.14 is exceptionally high and Union's primary hazard concern, reflecting its position near active fault zones in southern Illinois. Tornado risk (61.58) and hurricane risk (36.13) present secondary but meaningful threats.
Earthquake coverage is your priority
Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage—you must purchase a separate earthquake policy to protect your home from seismic events. Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and mirrors to walls, and keep emergency supplies (water, food, first aid) accessible.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Union County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Union County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Union County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 55th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Union County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Union County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (39th percentile), hurricane (36th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 90th percentile nationally puts Union County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Union County's tornado risk at the 62th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Union County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Union County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Illinois county average, with a 0.9-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Union County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Union County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Union County?
How does Union County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Union County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Union 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.