Will County Disaster Risk
Will County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively High
National Percentile
97th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
98th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 99% 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 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Will County, Illinois
Will County faces exceptionally high disaster risk
Will County's composite risk score of 97.26 places it in the "Relatively High" category—nearly 79% above the state average and among the most hazard-exposed counties nationally. This Chicago-adjacent county faces compounded risk from multiple severe natural disasters.
Illinois's third-riskiest county
Will County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Illinois, trailing only a handful of peers. Its extreme exposure reflects the convergence of multiple hazards that make it one of the state's most vulnerable areas.
Far riskier than surrounding counties
Will County's score of 97.26 dwarfs those of its neighbors, including Cook County and DuPage County. This south suburban area stands alone as a true disaster risk hotspot in the Chicagoland region.
Tornado and flood risk are critical
Tornado risk (99.24) and flood risk (97.87) make Will County one of the nation's most hazard-exposed regions, with nearly worst-case exposure to both. Wildfire risk (56.23) also exceeds state norms, adding a third significant threat.
Flood and tornado insurance are non-negotiable
Will County residents must carry separate flood insurance—the 97.87 flood risk score is among the nation's highest and standard policies don't cover floods. Ensure wind/hail coverage is maxed out given the 99.24 tornado risk, and consider additional coverage riders.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Will County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Will County
Risk Verdict
With a national rank of 97th percentile, Will County faces above-average natural disaster pressure across several hazard categories. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Will County.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Will County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (90th percentile), wildfire (56th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Will County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 99th percentile nationally. In Will County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 98th percentile nationally means Will County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Will County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Will County households.
Regional Context
Will County falls 42.8 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 Will County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Will County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Will County?
How does Will County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Will County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Will 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.