Scott County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 3th
Scott County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 2.8, 3th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Scott County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 2.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 3rd 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.
Most of Scott County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $893K in expected annual loss and about 3.18 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Very Low risk — $4K in expected annual loss and about 0.15 events per year; and heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Very Low risk — $277K in expected annual loss and about 8.37 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Scott 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: Scott County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 6 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2023.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Scott County ranks #102 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 3.18 / yr | $893K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 8.37 / yr | $277K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.26 / yr | $612K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $101K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 5.46 / yr | $327K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $229K |
| Hail | Very Low | 4.27 / yr | $72K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 1.35 / yr | $8K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 8.95 / yr | $7K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 47.07 / yr | $29K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.29 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $56 |
| 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
Scott County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms and Flooding in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Flood (5), Snowstorm (3).
| 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 |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| October 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| December 2006 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| March 2006 | Severe Storm | Tornadoes and Severe Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Scott County?
Scott County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 2.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 3th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Scott County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $893K EAL), Landslide (Very Low, $4K EAL), Heat Wave (Very Low, $277K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Scott County compare to other Illinois counties?
Scott County ranks #102 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Scott County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Scott County since 1973, most often 6 for severe storm events and 5 for flood 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. Scott County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.