Piatt County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 35th
Piatt County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 35.0, 35th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and earthquake exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $13M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Piatt County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 35.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 35th 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 — $741K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.84 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $13M in expected annual loss for a population of 17K.
Beyond physical exposure, Piatt 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.
History supports the rating: Piatt County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1968, including 2 for biological events and 2 for severe ice storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Piatt County ranks #75 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 1.66 / yr | $2M |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $741K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.84 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.03 / yr | $681K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.49 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.71 / yr | $6M |
| Hail | Low | 3.10 / yr | $234K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 6.63 / yr | $292K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.26 / yr | $54K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $443 |
| Ice Storm | Low | 1.44 / yr | $36K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $8K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 47.69 / yr | $64K |
| 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
Piatt County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1968, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Ice Storm (2), Tornado (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| February 2007 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| May 2002 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Il-Winter Storm 1/1/99 |
| April 1994 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| March 1990 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Ice Storm |
| June 1968 | Tornado | Tornadoes, Severe Storms & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Piatt County?
Piatt County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 35.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 35th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Piatt County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Earthquake (Low, $741K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Piatt County compare to other Illinois counties?
Piatt County ranks #75 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Piatt County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Piatt County since 1968, most often 2 for biological events and 2 for severe ice 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. Piatt County's $13M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.