Pekin, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Pekin is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Peoria County.
Pekin is a city of 31,781 people in Peoria County, Illinois. Parts of Pekin also reach into Tazewell County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Peoria 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 $84.7 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 731 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 32 tornadoes and 46 floods. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Peoria County, the county with most of the population Pekin 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 Pekin
Full Peoria 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 | $32M | |
| Cold wave | $25M | |
| Tornado | $13M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Hail | $3M | |
| Earthquake | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $827K | |
| Winter weather | $288K | |
| Landslide | $115K |
Homes in Pekin
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 Peoria County
More cities in Peoria County
Common questions about Pekin
Is Pekin safe from natural disasters?
Pekin is in Peoria 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 Pekin?
By expected yearly losses in Peoria County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (High), tornado (High). Peoria County has been part of 13 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Pekin get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 32 tornadoes in Peoria County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on June 29, 1976. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Pekin?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Peoria County, about 0.4% 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.