Natural Disaster Risk in Des Plaines
Illinois
Risk Summary for Des Plaines
Des Plaines scores 8.0/10 (Very High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
High-risk area — review your coverage carefully
Properties in very high-risk areas often require specialized coverage that standard homeowners policies do not include. Consider flood insurance through the NFIP, wildfire-specific endorsements, or earthquake riders depending on your top hazards. Premiums in these areas can be significantly higher than average.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Des Plaines, Illinois
Located in the Great Lakes region in Cook County, Des Plaines is a city of 60,898 residents. The humid continental climate that characterizes this part of Illinois — marked by bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Des Plaines a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Des Plaines's overall natural disaster risk is rated 8.0/10 (Very High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. Secondary hazards include heat and wind.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Des Plaines's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, considerably above the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and heat, as measured by FEMA across Cook County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
The very high risk environment in Des Plaines warrants proactive steps beyond standard preparedness. Review property insurance annually to ensure it covers the area's primary hazards, including cold wave. Establish a household emergency plan and keep supplies stocked, as the region's risk profile may require rapid response.
What this means for Des Plaines: Cold Wave preparedness
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
Local Factors for Des Plaines
These city-level factors differentiate Des Plaines from other communities in Cook County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
60,898
UrbanGeographic Zone
Great Lakes
Lake-effect snow & wind risk
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 42.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 6.1/10
Coordinates
42.0523° N, 87.8899° W
Cook County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Des Plaines
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Des Plaines
Other cities in Illinois
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.