DeKalb, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed DeKalb is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for DeKalb County.
DeKalb is a city of 40,443 people in DeKalb County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates DeKalb County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and tornado, with about $47.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 495 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 29 tornadoes and 46 floods. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for DeKalb County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in DeKalb
Full DeKalb 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 | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $12M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Drought | $752K | |
| Heat wave | $600K | |
| Lightning | $253K | |
| Hail | $158K | |
| Ice storm | $147K | |
| Winter weather | $36K | |
| Hurricane | $6K |
Homes in DeKalb
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 DeKalb County
Common questions about DeKalb
Is DeKalb safe from natural disasters?
DeKalb is in DeKalb County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower 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 DeKalb?
By expected yearly losses in DeKalb County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (Moderate). DeKalb County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does DeKalb get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 29 tornadoes in DeKalb County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on April 9, 2015 near Fairdale. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in DeKalb?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In DeKalb County, about 0.5% 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.