Effingham County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 54th
Effingham County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 53.8, 54th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $20M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Effingham County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 53.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 54th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 1.66 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $7K in expected annual loss and about 0.26 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $20M in expected annual loss for a population of 35K.
Beyond physical exposure, Effingham County has a low 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: Effingham County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1996, including 2 for tornado events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (tornado), declared in December 2021.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Effingham County ranks #55 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | Medium | 1.66 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.26 / yr | $7K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 7.95 / yr | $907K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 7.11 / yr | $119K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.39 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 3.00 / yr | $449K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.63 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.55 / yr | $817K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.79 / yr | $95K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.04 / yr | $7M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $34K |
| Lightning | Low | 48.85 / yr | $169K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Effingham County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1996, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in December 2021. Most frequent causes: Tornado (2), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| December 2021 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| May 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Effingham County?
Effingham County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 53.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 54th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Effingham County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Low, $5M EAL), Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Landslide (Low, $7K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Effingham County compare to other Illinois counties?
Effingham County ranks #55 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Effingham County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Effingham County since 1996, most often 2 for tornado events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, declared in December 2021.
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. Effingham County's $20M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.