Lee County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 54th
Lee County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 54.4, 54th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $21M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Lee County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 54.4 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.
Most of Lee County's expected losses come from strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 6.12 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 10.62 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $712K in expected annual loss and about 4.11 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $21M in expected annual loss for a population of 34K.
Beyond physical exposure, Lee 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 federal record bears this out: Lee County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 4 for flood events and 3 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Lee County ranks #52 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | High | 6.12 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 10.62 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 4.11 / yr | $712K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.67 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 5.79 / yr | $2M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.93 / yr | $11M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $308K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.56 / yr | $68K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $635 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.74 / yr | $172K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.42 / yr | $33K |
| Lightning | Low | 42.04 / yr | $119K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $5K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $3K |
| 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
Lee County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (4), Snowstorm (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| December 2006 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| March 1985 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| January 1979 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| June 1974 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| April 1973 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Lee County?
Lee County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 54.4 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 Lee County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Hail (Low, $712K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Lee County compare to other Illinois counties?
Lee County ranks #52 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Lee County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Lee County since 1973, most often 4 for flood events and 3 for snowstorm 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. Lee County's $21M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.