Clark County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 27th
Clark County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 27.3, 27th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Clark County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 27.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 27th 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 Clark County's expected losses come from earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $857K in expected annual loss and about 2.64 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $11K in expected annual loss and about 0.27 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 15K.
Beyond physical exposure, Clark 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Clark County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1974, including 3 for flood events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2023.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Clark County ranks #83 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 2.64 / yr | $857K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.27 / yr | $11K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.53 / yr | $418K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.42 / yr | $61K |
| Hail | Low | 2.87 / yr | $219K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.84 / yr | $783K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.74 / yr | $60K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $28K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.36 / yr | $756K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.21 / yr | $4M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.33 / yr | $288K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 48.47 / yr | $76K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Clark County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1974, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (3), Severe Storm (2), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| 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 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| March 1985 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| June 1974 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Clark County?
Clark County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 27.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 27th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Clark County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Low, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $857K EAL), Landslide (Low, $11K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Clark County compare to other Illinois counties?
Clark County ranks #83 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Clark County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Clark County since 1974, most often 3 for flood events and 2 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. Clark County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.