Jasper County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 20th
Jasper County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 20.4, 20th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Jasper County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 20.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 20th 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 — $2M in expected annual loss and about 1.66 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 landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $3K in expected annual loss and about 0.22 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jasper County has a very low 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). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Jasper County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1990, including 3 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, Jasper County ranks #89 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 1.66 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $3K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.17 / yr | $542K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 7.89 / yr | $272K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $24K |
| Hail | Very Low | 2.71 / yr | $166K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.36 / yr | $670K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.54 / yr | $4M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.63 / yr | $37K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 6.89 / yr | $35K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.47 / yr | $427K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 48.63 / yr | $52K |
| 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
Jasper County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1990, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (3), Biological (2), Tornado (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| November 2013 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| May 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 1990 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Jasper County?
Jasper County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 20.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 20th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jasper County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $2M EAL), Landslide (Very Low, $3K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jasper County compare to other Illinois counties?
Jasper County ranks #89 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jasper County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Jasper County since 1990, most often 3 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. Jasper County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.