Photo: Nyttend · Public domainFor hail, Monmouth’s building-damage rate is in the top 4% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Monmouth gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns, #368 of 768 in Illinois. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (52%), then hail (17%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 1986.
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 Monmouth faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Hail
Tornadoes
Strong wind
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 Monmouth’s grade
River and rain flooding is 52% of the building damage FEMA expects in Monmouth, and Monmouth’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 62% of U.S. census tracts. Hail adds 17%, at a rate in the top 4% of U.S. census tracts.
B− #368 of 768 in Illinois; higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Monmouth’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Illinois town has higher expected damage than 54% of U.S. towns; within the state, Monmouth has less expected damage per building than 52% of Illinois towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.6M a year in losses across Monmouth: $1.3M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Monmouth flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 1986
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Monmouth, from FEMA’s records: 0.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 89% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- Hurricane Ike1 claim · $4K
Monmouth isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Warren County.4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Monmouth
Disasters that paid out in Monmouth itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Monmouth), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2013Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding38 households applied for aid$80K aid approved
- 2011Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$8K to the City of Monmouth for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms and Flooding$83K to the City of Monmouth for repairs
- 1999Il-winter Storm 1/1/99$13K to the City of Monmouth for repairs
Warren County has had 6 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Monmouth after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Monmouth archive →Get ready for what Monmouth faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- 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.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- 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.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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 Monmouth
Is Monmouth at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Monmouth has higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk, #368 of 768 in Illinois. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (52%) and hail (17%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Monmouth flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Monmouth since 1986, $47K in all, or 0.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 89% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Hurricane Ike (1).
Is Monmouth 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. In Warren County, 0.4% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Monmouth?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Monmouth’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 Monmouth?
By FEMA money that reached Monmouth, Severe Storms and Flooding (2007): $83K to the City of Monmouth for repairs. By flood claims, Hurricane Ike: 1 paid, $4K.
Is Monmouth at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (52%), and Monmouth’s rate for it is lower than 62% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Monmouth.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Monmouth’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.