Quincy, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Quincy is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Adams County.
Quincy is a city of 39,109 people in Adams County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Adams County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and heat wave, with about $25.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 515 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 36 tornadoes and 32 floods. About 0.3% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Adams County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Quincy
Full Adams 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.
- Check that cooling works before summer.
- Know where the nearest cooling center is.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $10M | |
| Cold wave | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $4M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Hail | $857K | |
| Lightning | $679K | |
| Earthquake | $645K | |
| Ice storm | $107K | |
| Winter weather | $107K | |
| Landslide | $14K |
Homes in Quincy
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 Adams County
Common questions about Quincy
Is Quincy safe from natural disasters?
Quincy is in Adams 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, heat wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Quincy?
By expected yearly losses in Adams County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Moderate), heat wave (Moderate). Adams County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Quincy get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 36 tornadoes in Adams County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on May 30, 1974. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Quincy?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Adams County, about 0.3% 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.