Calhoun County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Calhoun County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 6.1, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by landslide and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Calhoun County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 6.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 6th 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $44K in expected annual loss and about 0.41 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $686K in expected annual loss and about 11.37 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $69K in expected annual loss and about 3.60 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 4K.
Beyond physical exposure, Calhoun County has a very low 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.
History supports the rating: Calhoun County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 11 for flood events and 7 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2023.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Calhoun County ranks #100 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Landslide | Low | 0.41 / yr | $44K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 11.37 / yr | $686K |
| Drought | Low | 3.60 / yr | $69K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $125K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.26 / yr | $292K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $261K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.86 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 5.91 / yr | $167K |
| Hail | Very Low | 4.96 / yr | $59K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 49.23 / yr | $41K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $992 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 9.11 / yr | $6K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 1.15 / yr | $3K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $309 |
| 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
Calhoun County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (11), Severe Storm (7), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| February 2007 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Calhoun County?
Calhoun County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 6.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 6th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Calhoun County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Landslide (Low, $44K EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $686K EAL), Drought (Low, $69K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Calhoun County compare to other Illinois counties?
Calhoun County ranks #100 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Calhoun County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Calhoun County since 1969, most often 11 for flood events and 7 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding, declared in August 2023.
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. Calhoun County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.