Cumberland County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 26th
Cumberland County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 25.9, 26th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cumberland County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 25.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 26th 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 Cumberland County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 1.66 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $2K in expected annual loss and about 0.15 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 10K.
Beyond physical exposure, Cumberland County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Cumberland County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1974, including 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2023.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Cumberland County ranks #87 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 1.66 / yr | $1M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $2K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.58 / yr | $236K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.52 / yr | $364K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 7.37 / yr | $40K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.89 / yr | $565K |
| Hail | Low | 2.74 / yr | $120K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $3M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $15K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.74 / yr | $33K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.29 / yr | $443K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 48.00 / yr | $41K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $1K |
| 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
Cumberland County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1974, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Snowstorm (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 |
| 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 |
| June 1974 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Cumberland County?
Cumberland County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 25.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 26th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Cumberland County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $1M EAL), Landslide (Very Low, $2K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Cumberland County compare to other Illinois counties?
Cumberland County ranks #87 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Cumberland County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Cumberland County since 1974, most often 3 for severe storm events and 2 for biological 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. Cumberland County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.