Champaign County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 90th
Champaign County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 90.5, 90th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $93M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Champaign County carries a medium composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 90.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 90th national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Champaign County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $21M in expected annual loss and about 3.95 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 1.55 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $774K in expected annual loss and about 9.63 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $93M in expected annual loss for a population of 206K.
Beyond physical exposure, Champaign 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Champaign County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 4 for tornado events and 3 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Champaign County ranks #12 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | High | 3.95 / yr | $21M |
| Drought | High | 1.55 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | High | 9.63 / yr | $774K |
| Tornado | High | 0.96 / yr | $13M |
| Hail | Medium | 2.70 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 1.82 / yr | $43M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $5M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 6.47 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.19 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Medium | 47.57 / yr | $753K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.92 / yr | $210K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $72K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $964 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| 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
Champaign County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Tornado (4), Severe Storm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| November 2013 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Il-Winter Storm 1/1/99 |
| May 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| April 1994 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 1990 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Ice Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 12 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Champaign County?
Champaign County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 90.5 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 90th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Champaign County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (High, $21M EAL), Drought (High, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $774K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Champaign County compare to other Illinois counties?
Champaign County ranks #12 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Champaign County had?
FEMA records 12 federal disaster declarations for Champaign County since 1968, most often 4 for tornado events and 3 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. Champaign County's $93M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.