Natural Disaster Risk in Moline

Natural Hazard Profile: Moline, Illinois

Moline is a city of approximately 43,748 residents in Rock Island County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers, with a severe thunderstorm and tornado season each spring shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Moline.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Moline carries an overall risk score of 7.2/10, placing it in the high category. 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. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and heat.

Moline's risk score, slightly above the 5.8/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Rock Island County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, wind, and heat. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Moline 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.