Adams County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 64th
Adams County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 64.2, 64th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $26M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Adams County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 64.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 64th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 8.42 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 4.21 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $26M in expected annual loss for a population of 66K.
Beyond physical exposure, Adams County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Adams County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 9 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Adams County ranks #41 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Medium | 8.42 / yr | $4M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.21 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 4.25 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.26 / yr | $4M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.42 / yr | $857K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.43 / yr | $14K |
| Lightning | Medium | 47.25 / yr | $679K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $645K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 10.26 / yr | $107K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.29 / yr | $10M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.56 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.42 / yr | $107K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $9K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $2K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Adams County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (9), Severe Storm (4), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| August 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| December 2006 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Adams County?
Adams County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 64.2 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 64th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Adams County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Medium, $4M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Adams County compare to other Illinois counties?
Adams County ranks #41 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Adams County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Adams County since 1965, most often 9 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 2020.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Adams County's $26M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.