riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Wabash County Disaster Risk

Wabash County, Illinois

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

25th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#88

of 102 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

26th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% 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 29% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 86% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 16% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Wabash County, Illinois

Wabash ranks very low nationally

With a composite risk score of 24.84, Wabash County has one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the nation. This "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to most weather hazards, though earthquake risk (86.04) stands as a notable exception.

Among Illinois's safest counties

Wabash's 24.84 score ranks it as one of the state's lowest-risk counties, nearly 55% below the Illinois state average of 54.46. Only Warren County (15.49) shows comparable or lower overall risk statewide.

Safest in the immediate region

Wabash County (24.84) is substantially safer than neighboring Union County (55.38) and Wayne County (40.74) across most hazards. Its minimal flood and tornado exposure distinguishes it as the lowest-risk county in this southern Illinois cluster.

Earthquake is the lone concern

Earthquake risk (86.04) is your county's only significant natural hazard exposure, reflecting its position near southern Illinois fault zones. Tornado (29.10) and flood (25.83) risks remain well below national and state averages.

Earthquake coverage your main need

Earthquake insurance is essential despite your county's overall low risk profile; standard homeowners insurance excludes seismic damage entirely. For other hazards, standard coverage proves adequate, but securing furniture and reinforcing foundations remains prudent earthquake preparedness.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Wabash County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    86th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    29th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    26th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Wabash County

Risk Verdict

Wabash County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 25th percentile nationally. A 25th percentile score positions Wabash County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Wabash County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (26th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), wildfire (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Wabash County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 86th 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. The county's tornado risk at the 29th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Wabash 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 Wabash County's score by 29.6 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Wabash County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Wabash County, IL?
Wabash County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 25th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Wabash County?
Wabash County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (86th percentile), tornado (29th percentile), flooding (26th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), wildfire (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 86th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Wabash County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Wabash County's composite risk percentile is 25th, compared to the Illinois state average of 55th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Wabash County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Illinois.
Is Wabash County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Wabash County's earthquake risk is at the 86th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Wabash County is at the 26th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Wabash County a safe place to live?
Wabash County's composite risk score of 25th percentile is below the Illinois state average of 55th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 86th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Cumberland County

Illinois

+1.0

Very Low

26th percentile

Edwards County

Illinois

+1.3

Very Low

26th percentile

Ford County

Illinois

+1.4

Very Low

26th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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