Natural Disaster Risk in Highland Park

Natural Hazard Profile: Highland Park, Illinois

Located in the Great Lakes region in Lake County, Highland Park is a city of approximately 30,398 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 Highland Park a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

FEMA rates Highland Park's composite natural disaster risk at 7.3 out of 10 — high risk. Arctic air outbreaks are the leading natural hazard, with temperature plunges to dangerous lows capable of causing hypothermia and widespread infrastructure failures. Residents should also account for wind and tornado risk in their preparedness planning.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Highland Park's natural disaster risk is well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by cold wave and wind, as measured by FEMA across Lake County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Highland Park residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for cold wave and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.