De Witt County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 29th
De Witt County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 29.3, 29th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in De Witt County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 29.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 29th 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.31 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 4.16 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $630K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 16K.
Beyond physical exposure, De Witt County has a medium 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.
History supports the rating: De Witt County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 2 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, De Witt County ranks #81 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 3.31 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.16 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $630K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.79 / yr | $343K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $1K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 5.12 / yr | $477K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.46 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 3.24 / yr | $201K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.62 / yr | $37K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.42 / yr | $30K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.68 / yr | $4M |
| Lightning | Very Low | 47.22 / yr | $72K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $807 |
| 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
De Witt County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (2), Biological (2), Tornado (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| February 2007 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Illinois Winter Snow Storms |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Il-Winter Storm 1/1/99 |
| April 1994 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 1979 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for De Witt County?
De Witt County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 29.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 29th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in De Witt County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $630K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does De Witt County compare to other Illinois counties?
De Witt County ranks #81 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has De Witt County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for De Witt County since 1968, most often 2 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. De Witt County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.