Photo: Nyttend · Public domainFEMA puts Newton’s expected hazard damage per building above that of 71% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Newton gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns, #556 of 768 in Illinois. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (59%), then earthquakes (27%). Flood insurance has paid 6 claims here since 1985.
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 Newton 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
Earthquakes
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 Newton’s grade
River and rain flooding is 59% of the building damage FEMA expects in Newton, and Newton’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 63% of U.S. census tracts. Strong wind adds 4%, at a rate in the top 6% of U.S. census tracts.
C #556 of 768 in Illinois; higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Newton’s residents live in 3 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, Newton has more expected damage per building than 72% of Illinois towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $2.1M a year in losses across Newton: $1.5M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Newton flood? Rarely: 6 flood claims since 1985
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Newton, from FEMA’s records: 4.2 per 1,000 homes, more than 56% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Early winter storms1 claim · $878
Newton isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Jasper County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Newton
Disasters that paid out in Newton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Newton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2011Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$4K to the City of Newton for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding19 households applied for aid$45K aid approved$16K to the City of Newton for repairs2 flood claims paid that year
- 2002Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding$4K to the City of Newton for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
Jasper County has had 6 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 Newton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Newton archive →Get ready for what Newton 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.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- Strap tall furniture and the water heater to the wall.
- Know how to shut off the gas.
- 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 Newton
Is Newton at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Newton has higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk, #556 of 768 in Illinois. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (59%) and earthquakes (27%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Newton flood?
Flood insurance has paid 6 claims in Newton since 1985, $115K in all, or 4.2 per 1,000 homes, more than 56% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 2 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Early winter storms (1).
Is Newton 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 Jasper County, 0.1% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Newton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Newton’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 Newton?
By FEMA money that reached Newton, Severe Storms and Flooding (2008): 19 households applied for aid, $45K approved, and $16K to the City of Newton for repairs. By flood claims, Early winter storms: 1 paid, $878.
Is Newton at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (59%), and Newton’s rate for it is higher than 63% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Newton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Newton’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.