Stark County, Illinois Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IL
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 7th
Stark County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 7.3, 7th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Stark County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 7.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 7th 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.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 9.14 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Low risk — $596K in expected annual loss and about 5.83 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Low risk — $41K in expected annual loss and about 0.86 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Stark 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: Stark County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1999, including 4 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 102 Illinois counties, Stark County ranks #99 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 9.14 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 5.83 / yr | $596K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.86 / yr | $41K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $93K |
| Hail | Very Low | 3.81 / yr | $136K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $315 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.30 / yr | $451K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 5.47 / yr | $377K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 6.37 / yr | $92K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.71 / yr | $2M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $2K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.41 / yr | $33K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 10.89 / yr | $7K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $344 |
| 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
Stark County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 1999, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (4), Biological (2), Flood (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| May 2013 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| March 2011 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| December 2006 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Illinois Winter Snow Storms |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Il-Winter Storm 1/1/99 |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Stark County?
Stark County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 7.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 7th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Stark County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Strong Wind (Low, $596K EAL), Ice Storm (Low, $41K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Stark County compare to other Illinois counties?
Stark County ranks #99 of 102 Illinois counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Stark County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Stark County since 1999, most often 4 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological 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. Stark County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.