Vermilion County Disaster Risk
Vermilion County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Vermilion County, Illinois
Vermilion faces above-average national risk
With a composite risk score of 78.82, Vermilion County ranks in the upper tier of natural disaster risk nationally. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects substantial exposure to tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes across its central Illinois location.
Well above Illinois state average
Vermilion's 78.82 score significantly exceeds Illinois's 54.46 state average, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county faces elevated hazards across multiple categories, not concentrated in a single disaster type.
Comparable to Tazewell, exceeds Warren
Vermilion (78.82) approaches the risk level of neighboring Tazewell County (84.19) to the northwest while far exceeding Warren County (15.49) to the west. Its balanced multi-hazard profile sets it apart from counties dominated by a single threat.
Tornadoes and floods lead threats
Tornado risk (79.71) and flood risk (76.46) are your county's primary hazards, each substantially exceeding national averages. Earthquake risk (85.24) rounds out a notably complex hazard landscape for a central Illinois county.
Prepare for multiple disaster types
Flood insurance is non-negotiable given your 76.46 flood risk score; it's not included in standard homeowners policies. Invest in a safe room or shelter for tornado protection, and ensure your policy covers wind, hail, and earthquake damage—you face meaningful risk across all three.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Vermilion County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Vermilion County
Risk Verdict
At the 79th percentile nationally, Vermilion County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Vermilion County.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Vermilion County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (76th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Vermilion County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 85th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Tornado at the 80th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Vermilion County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. After a major earthquake, Vermilion County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Vermilion County falls 24.4 points above Illinois's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Vermilion County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Vermilion County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Vermilion County?
How does Vermilion County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Vermilion County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Vermilion 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.