Springfield, Illinois: natural disaster risk
How exposed Springfield is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Sangamon County.
Springfield is a city of 113,330 people in Sangamon County, Illinois. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sangamon County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $115 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 976 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 93 tornadoes and 81 floods. About 0.2% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Sangamon County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Springfield
Full Sangamon 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.
- 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.
- 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 | $47M | |
| Tornado | $20M | |
| Cold wave | $16M | |
| Earthquake | $14M | |
| Heat wave | $8M | |
| Hail | $4M | |
| Drought | $3M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $458K | |
| Winter weather | $453K | |
| Hurricane | $35K |
Homes in Springfield
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 Sangamon County
Common questions about Springfield
Is Springfield safe from natural disasters?
Springfield is in Sangamon County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, 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 Springfield?
By expected yearly losses in Sangamon County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), tornado (High), cold wave (High). Sangamon County has been part of 10 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Springfield get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 93 tornadoes in Sangamon County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on June 14, 1957. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Springfield?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Sangamon County, about 0.2% 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.