Ford County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 26th
Ford County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 26.2, 26th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ford County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 26.2 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 Ford County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.68 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $452K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $201K in expected annual loss and about 1.82 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 14K.
Beyond physical exposure, Ford 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Ford County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1990, including 3 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Ford County ranks #85 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 3.68 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $452K |
| Drought | Low | 1.82 / yr | $201K |
| Hail | Low | 2.98 / yr | $233K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.51 / yr | $506K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.48 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.07 / yr | $4M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.84 / yr | $148K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 10.05 / yr | $21K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 1.05 / yr | $19K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $75 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 46.17 / yr | $54K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $4K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $684 |
| 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
Ford County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1990, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (3), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Illinois Winter Snow Storms |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Il-Winter Storm 1/1/99 |
| March 1990 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Ice Storm |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Ford County?
Ford County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 26.2 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 Ford County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $452K EAL), Drought (Low, $201K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Ford County compare to other Illinois counties?
Ford County ranks #85 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Ford County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Ford County since 1990, most often 3 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological 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. Ford County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.