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Explore Hazard Data
9
Extreme

flood Flood Risk in Chicago, IL

Risk Level: Extreme — Score 9/10

FEMA: 9Historical: 10

Key Risk Factors

  • FEMA rates Chicago's county as Very High risk for this hazard
  • Estimated annual loss of $1,097M from this hazard type
  • 352 significant events recorded in proximity since 1950
  • 54 events in the last 12 months indicate ongoing risk
  • Average annual frequency: 5.9 events per year

Peak season: March-September

Last significant event: Flood - Chicago, IL--IN Region, United States (2025-07-09) — 573,000 people exposed

Highest Risk Cities for Floods

1
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
2
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
3
Chicago, IL
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
4
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
5
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
6
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
7
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
8
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
9
FEMA: 9Historical: 10
10
FEMA: 9Historical: 10

How Chicago Compares

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Notable Flood Events Near Chicago

Flood - Chicago, IL--IN Region, United States

July 8, 2025 WARNING

573,000 people exposed; $133,535M capital exposed

Flood - Chicago, IL--IN Region, United States

July 1, 2023 WARNING

Impact data not available

Flood - Chicago, IL--IN Region, United States

February 24, 2020 WARNING

Impact data not available

Flood - Chicago, IL--IN Region, United States

September 10, 2022 WARNING

Impact data not available

Flood - Chicago, IL--IN Region, United States

July 1, 2023 WARNING

Impact data not available

Flood Preparedness Tips

  • 1.Know if your property is in a flood zone — check FEMA maps
  • 2.Consider flood insurance even if not in a high-risk zone
  • 3.Never drive through flooded roadways — Turn Around, Don’t Drown
  • 4.Move valuables and important documents to upper floors
  • 5.Install sump pumps and check valves in plumbing

Related Pages

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