Franklin County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 81th
Franklin County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 80.9, 81th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $32M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Franklin County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 80.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 81st 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.
Most of Franklin County's expected losses come from earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Medium risk — $12M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 1.21 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.24 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $32M in expected annual loss for a population of 38K.
Beyond physical exposure, Franklin 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Franklin County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Franklin County ranks #21 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $12M |
| Cold Wave | High | 1.21 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.24 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 10.11 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | High | 7.84 / yr | $225K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.34 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Low | 3.34 / yr | $459K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 4.04 / yr | $8M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.48 / yr | $110K |
| Lightning | Medium | 52.59 / yr | $247K |
| Drought | Low | 3.64 / yr | $182K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.23 / yr | $982 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $35K |
| 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
Franklin County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| February 2005 | Snowstorm | Record/Near Record Snow |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| May 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 1983 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
| April 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Franklin County?
Franklin County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 80.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 81th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Franklin County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Medium, $12M EAL), Cold Wave (High, $5M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Franklin County compare to other Illinois counties?
Franklin County ranks #21 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Franklin County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Franklin County since 1973, most often 4 for severe storm 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. Franklin County's $32M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.