Bond County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 36th
Bond County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 36.2, 36th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bond County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 36.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 36th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Bond County's expected losses come from earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $4K in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $745K in expected annual loss and about 10.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Bond County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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: Bond County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 2002, including 2 for tornado events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (tornado), declared in December 2021.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Bond County ranks #74 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.22 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 10.32 / yr | $745K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.36 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 4.61 / yr | $312K |
| Drought | Low | 1.66 / yr | $182K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.68 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 6.06 / yr | $462K |
| Lightning | Low | 49.59 / yr | $176K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.05 / yr | $30K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.71 / yr | $3M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $6K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 1.10 / yr | $13K |
| 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
Bond County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 2002, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in December 2021. Most frequent causes: Tornado (2), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| December 2021 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| February 2007 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Bond County?
Bond County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 36.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 36th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Bond County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Low, $3M EAL), Landslide (Low, $4K EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $745K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Bond County compare to other Illinois counties?
Bond County ranks #74 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Bond County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Bond County since 2002, most often 2 for tornado events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, declared in December 2021.
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. Bond County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.