Edwards County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 26th
Edwards County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 26.1, 26th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Edwards County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 26.1 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.79 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Low risk — $255K in expected annual loss and about 9.11 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Edwards County has a very high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
History supports the rating: Edwards County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1989, including 2 for biological events and 2 for tornado events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Edwards County ranks #86 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 3.79 / yr | $1M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 9.11 / yr | $255K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.12 / yr | $366K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.14 / yr | $788 |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.00 / yr | $26K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.15 / yr | $369K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.45 / yr | $20K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.82 / yr | $56K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.04 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 1.16 / yr | $157K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 49.79 / yr | $27K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $200 |
| 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
Edwards County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1989, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Tornado (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2005 | Snowstorm | Record/Near Record Snow |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| June 1990 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| January 1989 | Tornado | Severe Storms & Tornadoes |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Edwards County?
Edwards County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 26.1 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 Edwards County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $1M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $2M EAL), Heat Wave (Low, $255K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Edwards County compare to other Illinois counties?
Edwards County ranks #86 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Edwards County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Edwards County since 1989, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for tornado 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. Edwards County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.