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Batavia, Illinois: natural disaster risk

How exposed Batavia is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for DuPage County.

Relatively High overall risk
27,151people
Inland floodingtop hazard
14federal declarations, DuPage County
51tornadoes in the county since 1950
Photo: David Wilson from Oak Park, Illinois, USA, CC BY 2.0

Batavia is a city of 27,151 people in DuPage County, Illinois. Parts of Batavia also reach into Kane County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates DuPage County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $366 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,084 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 51 tornadoes and 167 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for DuPage County, the county with most of the population Batavia sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

Top risks in Batavia

Full DuPage County report ›
$195 million a year in the county
  • Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
  • Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.

Cold wave

Very High
$72.3 million a year in the county
  • Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
  • Know how to shut off the main water valve.

Tornado

Very High
$67 million a year in the county
  • Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.

All hazards

HazardRatingA year
Inland floodingHigh$195M
Cold waveVery High$72M
TornadoVery High$67M
EarthquakeModerate$11M
Strong windVery High$11M
Heat waveModerate$6M
LightningHigh$3M
Winter weatherHigh$452K
HailLow$382K
Ice stormModerate$339K
WildfireVery Low$22K
HurricaneVery Low$12K

Homes in Batavia

Median home value$387,400
DuPage County median$391,400
Median year built1985
Built before 198044%
Mobile homes1.1%

Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.

Strongest tornadoes in DuPage County

1976F4
1976F33 hurt
2021EF3 near Naperville11 hurt

Common questions about Batavia

Is Batavia safe from natural disasters?

Batavia is in DuPage County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.

What natural disasters happen in Batavia?

By expected yearly losses in DuPage County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), cold wave (Very High), tornado (Very High). DuPage County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Batavia get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 51 tornadoes in DuPage County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on June 13, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very high.

Do I need flood insurance in Batavia?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In DuPage County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.