Monroe County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 42th
Monroe County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 41.9, 42th national percentile), driven primarily by heat wave and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $23M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Monroe County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 41.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 42nd 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 heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 13.21 events per year; earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Low risk — $34K in expected annual loss and about 0.46 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $23M in expected annual loss for a population of 35K.
Beyond physical exposure, Monroe County has a very 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: Monroe County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 8 for flood events and 7 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2023.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Monroe County ranks #66 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Heat Wave | Medium | 13.21 / yr | $4M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.01 / yr | $5M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.46 / yr | $34K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 6.03 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Low | 5.23 / yr | $659K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.33 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.37 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Low | 1.66 / yr | $126K |
| Lightning | Low | 53.37 / yr | $272K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.79 / yr | $58K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.04 / yr | $6M |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 1.24 / yr | $22K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Monroe County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (8), Severe Storm (7), Biological (2).
| 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 |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| February 2007 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| May 1996 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Monroe County?
Monroe County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 41.9 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 42th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Monroe County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Heat Wave (Medium, $4M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $5M EAL), Landslide (Low, $34K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Monroe County compare to other Illinois counties?
Monroe County ranks #66 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Monroe County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Monroe County since 1969, most often 8 for flood events and 7 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. Monroe County's $23M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.