Natural Disaster Risk in New Salem
Illinois
Risk Summary for New Salem
New Salem scores 5.4/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: New Salem, Illinois
Located in the interior eastern United States in Pike County, New Salem is a small unincorporated community. 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 New Salem a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
FEMA rates New Salem's composite natural disaster risk at 5.4 out of 10 — moderate risk. Drought is the leading natural hazard, with multi-year dry periods capable of depleting water supplies, devastating agriculture, and increasing wildfire risk across the region. Residents should also account for landslide and heat risk in their preparedness planning.
Relative to other U.S. communities, New Salem's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, near the 5.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by drought and landslide, as measured by FEMA across Pike County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
With a moderate risk rating, New Salem residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for drought is recommended.
What this means for New Salem: Drought preparedness
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
Local Factors for New Salem
These city-level factors differentiate New Salem from other communities in Pike County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
134
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.7°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 1.3/10
Coordinates
39.6867° N, 90.8637° W
Pike 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 New Salem
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in New Salem
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.