Perry County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 72th
Perry County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 72.1, 72th national percentile), driven primarily by earthquake and cold wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $26M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Perry County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 72.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 72nd 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Medium risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 1.21 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 5.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $26M in expected annual loss for a population of 21K.
Beyond physical exposure, Perry County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
History supports the rating: Perry County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1982, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Perry County ranks #31 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Earthquake | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $10M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 1.21 / yr | $5M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.25 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 8.16 / yr | $169K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 10.26 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 4.35 / yr | $452K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.42 / yr | $3K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.37 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Low | 1.66 / yr | $212K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.86 / yr | $6M |
| Lightning | Low | 52.13 / yr | $193K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $26K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.48 / yr | $33K |
| 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
Perry County has received 7 federal disaster declarations since 1982, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (2), Tornado (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2011 | 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 1982 | Tornado | Severe Storms & Tornadoes |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Perry County?
Perry County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 72.1 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 72th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Perry County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Earthquake (Medium, $10M EAL), Cold Wave (Medium, $5M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Perry County compare to other Illinois counties?
Perry County ranks #31 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Perry County had?
FEMA records 7 federal disaster declarations for Perry County since 1982, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe storm 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. Perry County's $26M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.