Christian County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 54th
Christian County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 54.0, 54th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $22M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Christian County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 54.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 54th 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.
Most of Christian County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 1.75 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 2.68 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $22M in expected annual loss for a population of 34K.
Beyond physical exposure, Christian County has a very 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: Christian County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1999, including 2 for biological events and 2 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2023.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Christian County ranks #54 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 1.75 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $4M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.68 / yr | $5M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.95 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 3.58 / yr | $504K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.42 / yr | $847K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $1K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.37 / yr | $68K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.75 / yr | $1M |
| Lightning | Low | 48.89 / yr | $235K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.64 / yr | $6M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.33 / yr | $48K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $20K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Christian County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1999, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Snowstorm (2), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Il-Winter Storm 1/1/99 |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Christian County?
Christian County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 54.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 54th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Christian County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $4M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Christian County compare to other Illinois counties?
Christian County ranks #54 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Christian County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Christian County since 1999, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for snowstorm 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. Christian County's $22M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.