Natural Disaster Risk in Waterloo

Natural Hazard Profile: Waterloo, Illinois

Waterloo is a city of approximately 18,208 residents in Monroe 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 Waterloo.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Waterloo carries an overall risk score of 5.5/10, placing it in the moderate category. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. The area also faces notable exposure to earthquake and landslide.

Waterloo'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 Monroe County, the highest-scoring are heat, earthquake, and landslide. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Waterloo 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 heat is recommended.