Enter any address in Brown County, Illinois to see its FEMA flood zone
River overflow along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers characterizes flood risk in Brown County. Between 2013 and 2015, heavy spring rains caused these rivers to reach major flood levels, with the Illinois River at La Grange setting a new record in April 2013. Scattered showers and storms also contribute, leading to isolated flash flooding events, such as one in July 2020.
Over the past 30 years, NOAA data indicates 11 flash flood events and 7 flood events. NFIP claims data shows that properties in Zone A have experienced the most claims, with an average payout of $9,536 and an average water depth of 20.0 feet. Properties in Zone X, though fewer in number, have seen significantly higher average payouts ($48,613) and water depths (13.0 feet).
Homeowners with properties located near rivers, particularly the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, should pay close attention to flood risk. Additionally, those in areas designated as Zone A or Zone X, as identified by FEMA flood maps, may face a higher likelihood of experiencing flood events and associated damages.
Summary generated from NOAA storm narratives and NFIP claim data for this county. Not predictive.
2 NOAA storm reports from this county describe what happened, in the words of the meteorologists who were there.
Brown County, Illinois has recorded 18 flood-related events since 1996 according to NOAA's Storm Events Database, including 11 flash floods and 7 river or area floods. The county has received 16 federal disaster declarations, 5 of which involved flooding or coastal storms. Enter any address above to check its FEMA flood zone designation.
FEMA Disaster Declarations (1973–2020)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
| Declaration | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Covid-19 | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Covid-19 Pandemic | Biological | Jan 20, 2020 |
| Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, And Flooding | Flood | Apr 16, 2013 |
| Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm | Snowstorm | Jan 31, 2011 |
| Snow | Snowstorm | Nov 30, 2006 |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation | Hurricane | Aug 29, 2005 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding | Severe Storm | May 6, 2003 |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes And Flooding | Tornado | Apr 21, 2002 |
| Winter Storm 1/1/99 | Snowstorm | Jan 1, 1999 |
| Severe Storms And Flooding | Severe Storm | Apr 28, 1996 |
NOAA Storm Events Database (1996–2025)
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
| Type | Date | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood | Jul 1, 2020 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jul 11, 2015 | 0.00K |
| Flood | Apr 19, 2013 | 5.00K |
| Flood | Apr 18, 2013 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 15, 2013 | 0.00K (1 deaths) |
| Flood | May 1, 2013 | 2.00K |
| Flood | Jun 1, 2013 | 1.00K |
| Flash Flood | May 25, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 25, 2011 | 0.00K |
| Flash Flood | Jun 13, 2011 | 0.00K |
Flash Flood — Jul 1, 2020
Scattered showers and storms developed over portions of west central Illinois. Very heavy rainfall fell which caused isolated flash flooding.
Flash Flood — Jul 11, 2015
Several rounds of heavy rain fell over northeast Missouri and west central Illinois from the afternoon hours of July 11th through the early morning hours of July 12th. There were numerous reports of flash flooding as well as two deaths, one from flash flooding and one from a fallen tree.
Flood — Apr 19, 2013
Heavy spring rain caused several rivers in Illinois to hit major flood levels. The Illinois River, Kaskaskia River, La Moine River, and the Mississippi all hit major flood levels at various locations. The Mississippi River and the Illinois River all remained above flood stage into May. The Illinois River at La Grange set a new record reaching 34.50 feet on April 27th.
Flood — Apr 18, 2013
Heavy spring rain caused several rivers in Illinois to hit major flood levels. The Illinois River, Kaskaskia River, La Moine River, and the Mississippi all hit major flood levels at various locations. The Mississippi River and the Illinois River all remained above flood stage into May. The Illinois River at La Grange set a new record reaching 34.50 feet on April 27th.
Flash Flood — Jun 15, 2013
A cold front was approaching the region. Numerous thunderstorms developed ahead of frontal boundary. Some of the storms produced damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding in west central Illinois.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Individual Claims (2.25M records analyzed).
FEMA assigns flood zone designations to areas in Brown County, Illinois:
AE High Risk — 1% annual chance of flooding. Insurance required.
VE Very High Risk — Coastal flooding with wave action.
X (Shaded) Moderate Risk — 500-year floodplain.
X Low Risk — Outside major floodplains.
Properties in Brown County, Illinois that are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.