Peoria Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 262,461 and a calculated risk score of 78.0, Peoria faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Peoria, IL. From its neighborhoods to its downtown, Peoria is unique. But ignoring the local climate risks is not an option. Our data indicates a specific vulnerability to winter weather.
Total Risk Score
The numbers don't lie. Peoria sits at a Risk Score of 77.999. This is driven by a combination of factors, most notably Winter Weather and Heat Wave.
Winter storm risk in Peoria, Illinois
Severe winter weather and ice storms pose a unique threat to Peoria, potentially causing extended power outages and hazardous road conditions. Infrastructure in the area may be vulnerable to heavy ice accumulation.
Peoria Winter Grid Failure Prep
- •Have a safe, indoor-rated backup heat source
- •Insulate pipes and know how to shut off main water valve
- •Keep a backup battery bank for charging phones
Top Hazards for The Peoria Area
In the broader context of Illinois's climate, winter weather represent a significant vector of concern for Peoria. Furthermore, recent climate normals and historical event data contribute to this elevated score of 96.0. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a winter weather strains the power grid.
Across the diverse landscape of Illinois, heat wave preparedness is ingrained in the local community culture. Furthermore, the generated risk index of 95.4 is derived from granular local inputs. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a heat wave strains the power grid.
When analyzing the risk profile of Illinois, Peoria's geography makes it particularly susceptible to tornado risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 94.6. Surge protectors and whole-home backup solutions are increasingly popular investments.
Winter Grid Failure Guide
Peoria has significant winter storm risk. Learn the thermodynamics of survival when the power goes out.

The Apartment Fortress
Living in Peoria? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Peoria
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Peoria. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Prepare for secondary heat waves if power is lost.
- 2Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 3Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 4Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 5Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
Essential Gear for Peoria

Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.

Power
Anker PowerCore 10K
Pocket-sized power to keep your phone alive for emergency calls.

Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
The best insurance against Winter Weather is preparation. Check your kit and ensure you are ready.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 99.5 | Chicago and Peoria share similar regional risks, but our data gives Peoria the edge in overall safety. |
| Rockford | 85.4 | When compared to Rockford, Peoria is statistically safer. The difference of 7.4 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Round Lake Beach | 90.9 | Round Lake Beach and Peoria share similar regional risks, but our data gives Peoria the edge in overall safety. |
| Aurora | 85.9 | Choosing between Peoria and Aurora? Peoria presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Springfield | 82.8 | When compared to Springfield, Peoria is statistically safer. The difference of 4.8 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Winter Weathers in Peoria?
With a risk score of 96.0 for Winter Weather, Peoria is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Winter Weather events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Peoria safer than other cities in Illinois?
It varies by hazard. While Peoria has its own risk profile (Total Score: 78.0), it is generally comparable to the average in Illinois. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Peoria given the risk of Heat Wave?
Every city has risks. The threat of Heat Wave (Score: 95.4) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Peoria is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Peoria compare to other cities in Illinois?
See the full Illinois Disaster Rankings to see how Peoria stacks up against other cities in the state.