Hancock County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 31th
Hancock County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 31.1, 31th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Hancock County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 31.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 31st 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 Medium risk — $986K in expected annual loss and about 4.03 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 9.16 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $6K in expected annual loss and about 0.27 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 18K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hancock County has a 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 federal record bears this out: Hancock County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 8 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2023.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Hancock County ranks #78 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 4.03 / yr | $986K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 9.16 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.27 / yr | $6K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.60 / yr | $742K |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 4.26 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 3.52 / yr | $385K |
| Lightning | Medium | 46.44 / yr | $259K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.90 / yr | $61K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $132K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.21 / yr | $37K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.57 / yr | $550K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $8K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 2.71 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $482 |
| 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
Hancock County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (8), Severe Storm (4), Snowstorm (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| May 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| December 2006 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hancock County?
Hancock County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 31.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 31th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hancock County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $986K EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $1M EAL), Landslide (Low, $6K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hancock County compare to other Illinois counties?
Hancock County ranks #78 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hancock County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Hancock County since 1973, most often 8 for flood events and 4 for severe storm 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. Hancock County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.