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Moline, Illinois: natural disaster risk

How exposed Moline is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Rock Island County.

Relatively Moderate overall risk
42,197people
Inland floodingtop hazard
13federal declarations, Rock Island County
41tornadoes in the county since 1950
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, public domain

Moline is a city of 42,197 people in Rock Island County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Rock Island 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 $45.4 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 631 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 41 tornadoes and 110 floods. About 1.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.

Risk figures are for Rock Island County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.

$16.6 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.
$11.3 million a year in the county
  • Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
  • Know how to shut off the main water valve.
$6.8 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 floodingModerate$17M
Cold waveHigh$11M
TornadoHigh$7M
Heat waveModerate$4M
Strong windHigh$2M
HailModerate$2M
LightningHigh$1M
DroughtModerate$464K
EarthquakeLow$451K
Ice stormModerate$366K
Winter weatherHigh$360K
LandslideLow$23K

Homes in Moline

Median home value$146,300
Rock Island County median$150,400
Median year built1956
Built before 198083%
Mobile homes1.2%

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 Rock Island County

1990F31 hurt
1978F3
1995F3 near Rapids City

Common questions about Moline

Is Moline safe from natural disasters?

Moline is in Rock Island 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 Moline?

By expected yearly losses in Rock Island County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (High). Rock Island County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.

Does Moline get tornadoes?

Yes. NOAA records list 41 tornadoes in Rock Island County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on March 13, 1990. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.

Do I need flood insurance in Moline?

Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Rock Island County, about 1.3% 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.