Crawford County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 37th
Crawford County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 37.0, 37th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Crawford County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 37.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 37th 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 earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $710K in expected annual loss and about 3.43 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $587K in expected annual loss and about 7.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 19K.
Beyond physical exposure, Crawford 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.
The federal record bears this out: Crawford County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1985, including 2 for biological events and 2 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Crawford County ranks #73 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 3.43 / yr | $710K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.89 / yr | $587K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.19 / yr | $2K |
| Hail | Low | 2.86 / yr | $284K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 6.74 / yr | $66K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.30 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.68 / yr | $7M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.18 / yr | $488K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.47 / yr | $607K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.53 / yr | $47K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $11K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 49.79 / yr | $95K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $917 |
| 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
Crawford County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1985, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Flood (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| May 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 1985 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Crawford County?
Crawford County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 37.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 37th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Crawford County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Low, $3M EAL), Drought (Medium, $710K EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $587K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Crawford County compare to other Illinois counties?
Crawford County ranks #73 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Crawford County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Crawford County since 1985, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for flood 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. Crawford County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.