Photo: Nyttend · Public domainMore hazard damage per building is expected in Albion than in 68% of U.S. towns, led by earthquakes
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Albion gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 68% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is earthquakes (44%), then river and rain flooding (43%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Albion faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
Earthquakes
River and rain flooding
Strong wind
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Albion’s grade
Earthquakes are 44% of the building damage FEMA expects in Albion, and Albion’s rate of earthquakes damage is higher than 87% of U.S. census tracts. Strong wind adds 6%, at a rate in the top 4% of U.S. census tracts.
C higher expected damage per building than 68% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Albion’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $1.4M a year in losses across Albion: $902K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Albion flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Albion. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Albion
Disasters that paid out in Albion itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Albion), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2004Record/near Record Snow$4K to the City of Albion for repairs
Edwards County has had 4 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Albion after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Albion archive →Get ready for what Albion faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Albion
Is Albion at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Albion has higher expected damage per building than 68% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is earthquakes (44%) and river and rain flooding (43%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Is Albion in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map.
How much is flood insurance in Albion?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Albion’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Albion?
By FEMA money that reached Albion, Record/near Record Snow (2004): $4K to the City of Albion for repairs.
Is Albion at risk from earthquakes?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (44%), and Albion’s rate for it is higher than 87% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Albion.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Albion’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.