Montgomery County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 65th
Montgomery County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 65.4, 65th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $22M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Montgomery County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 65.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 65th 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 Montgomery County's expected losses come from earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 5.77 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $837K in expected annual loss and about 1.66 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $22M in expected annual loss for a population of 28K.
Beyond physical exposure, Montgomery County has a medium 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.
The federal record bears this out: Montgomery County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 2002, including 2 for tornado events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (tornado), declared in December 2021.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Montgomery County ranks #40 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Medium | 0.00 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | High | 5.77 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 1.66 / yr | $837K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 9.42 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.26 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Medium | 4.04 / yr | $622K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.69 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Low | 0.27 / yr | $6K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.75 / yr | $8M |
| Lightning | Medium | 49.01 / yr | $270K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 8.42 / yr | $67K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $32K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.18 / yr | $42K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Montgomery County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 2002, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes in December 2021. Most frequent causes: Tornado (2), Biological (2), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| December 2021 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 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 |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Montgomery County?
Montgomery County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 65.4 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 65th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Montgomery County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Medium, $5M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $837K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Montgomery County compare to other Illinois counties?
Montgomery County ranks #40 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Montgomery County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Montgomery County since 2002, most often 2 for tornado events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes, declared in December 2021.
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. Montgomery County's $22M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.