Champaign, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Champaign is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Champaign County.
Champaign is a city of 89,996 people in Champaign County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Champaign County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $93.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 880 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 83 tornadoes and 71 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Champaign County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Champaign
Full Champaign County report ›- 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.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- 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
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $43M | |
| Cold wave | $21M | |
| Tornado | $13M | |
| Earthquake | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Drought | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Winter weather | $774K | |
| Lightning | $753K | |
| Ice storm | $210K | |
| Hurricane | $72K |
Homes in Champaign
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 Champaign County
More cities in Champaign County
Common questions about Champaign
Is Champaign safe from natural disasters?
Champaign is in Champaign County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for 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 Champaign?
By expected yearly losses in Champaign County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (High). Champaign County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Champaign get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 83 tornadoes in Champaign County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on March 20, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Champaign?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Champaign County, about 0.3% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.