Natural Disaster Risk in Versailles

Natural Hazard Profile: Versailles, Illinois

Versailles, in Brown County, is a small community of about 863 situated in the interior eastern United States. Its humid continental climate brings bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers, and in particular a severe thunderstorm and tornado season each spring. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Versailles residents and property owners must navigate.

Versailles's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.3/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The area faces significant landslide risk, where mountainous topography and saturated soils during wet periods combine to create hazardous mass movement conditions. Secondary hazards include heat and drought.

Within Illinois, Versailles's risk is, slightly below the 5.8/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Brown County identifies landslide as the foremost hazard, followed by heat and drought. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.

Versailles'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 landslide exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.