Woodford County Disaster Risk
Woodford County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#69
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Woodford County, Illinois
Woodford County faces very low disaster risk
Woodford County's composite risk score of 39.92 ranks in the "Very Low" category and sits 27% below the state average of 54.46. This central Illinois county is among the safest in the nation for natural disaster exposure.
Illinois's safest counties
Woodford County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Illinois, well below the state average. It is one of the few Illinois counties earning a "Very Low" risk designation.
Safest county in its region
Woodford County's score of 39.92 is substantially lower than neighboring McLean County and surrounding central Illinois counties. It represents an oasis of natural hazard safety in a region where many peers face higher exposure.
Flood and tornado risks remain manageable
Flood risk (51.46) and tornado risk (52.67) are Woodford County's primary concerns, both sitting near state average despite the county's overall low risk profile. Wildfire risk is minimal at 3.34, and earthquake and hurricane risks are similarly subdued.
Standard coverage is typically sufficient
Woodford County's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate tornado and wind protection for most residents. However, flood insurance remains a personal decision—check whether your property sits in any flood zone.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Woodford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Woodford County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Woodford County ranks at the 40th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Residents of Woodford County can use the 40th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Woodford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 53th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (51th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With earthquake ranked as the top hazard at the 54th percentile nationally, Woodford County residents benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance: standard policies rarely cover earthquake damage, and separate earthquake insurance must be purchased before an event. The county's tornado risk at the 53th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Earthquake insurance in Woodford County is typically offered as a separate policy — standard homeowners coverage excludes ground movement. Reviewing this gap and comparing policy options before an event is a financial preparedness step with potentially large consequences.
Regional Context
At 14.5 points below the Illinois state average, Woodford County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Woodford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Woodford County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Woodford County?
How does Woodford County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Woodford County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Woodford County a safe place to live?
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.