Galesburg, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Galesburg is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Knox County.
Galesburg is a city of 29,481 people in Knox County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Knox County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, strong wind and cold wave, with about $18 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 398 storm reports in the county since 1961, including 31 tornadoes and 44 floods. About 0.1% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Knox County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Galesburg
Full Knox 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.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $3M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Heat wave | $1M | |
| Hail | $1M | |
| Drought | $623K | |
| Lightning | $401K | |
| Earthquake | $388K | |
| Ice storm | $215K | |
| Winter weather | $74K | |
| Hurricane | $7K |
Homes in Galesburg
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 Knox County
Common questions about Galesburg
Is Galesburg safe from natural disasters?
Galesburg is in Knox County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, strong wind, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Galesburg?
By expected yearly losses in Knox County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), strong wind (High), cold wave (Moderate). Knox County has been part of 9 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Galesburg get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 31 tornadoes in Knox County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 14, 1961. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Galesburg?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Knox County, about 0.1% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.