Natural Disaster Risk in Parkersburg

Natural Hazard Profile: Parkersburg, Illinois

Parkersburg is a small unincorporated community in Richland 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 Parkersburg.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Parkersburg carries an overall risk score of 5.6/10, placing it in the moderate category. Earthquake risk stands out in the local hazard profile, driven by proximity to fault systems with a history of significant ground movement. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and heat.

Parkersburg's risk score, near the 5.8/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Richland County, the highest-scoring are earthquake, drought, and heat. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Parkersburg's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that earthquake exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.