Chicago, Illinois
Flood risk is increasing for Chicago.
As the environment and and weather patterns change, flood risks will increase. Approximately 164,269 properties are already at risk in Chicago, and within 30 years, about 169,574 will be at risk.Change in number of properties at risk i
Total annual flood damages in Chicago i
Score Map
Flood Factors across Chicago.
A property's Flood Factor is an indicator of its comprehensive flood risk, ranging from 1 (minimal) to 10 (extreme). Properties with higher Flood Factors are more likely to flood.
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Number of properties at risk by Flood Factor
Number of properties at risk by Flood Factor
Flood Risk Explorer
Flood risks vary by depth and likelihood
Deeper floods from major events, like hurricanes, are less likely to occur, but cause greater damage than more shallow flood events, like heavy rains.
Approx. properties have a 0.2% chance of some amount of water reaching their building in 2021.
Depth of flooding (feet)
Note: 604,535 properties in this area are protected by adaptation. While the above projections take into account this protection, risks may substantially increase in the event of adaptation failure.
Environmental Changes
Flood risks are increasing because of the environment.
A changing environment means higher seas, new weather patterns, and stronger storms. As the atmosphere warms, there is more evaporation and more water available when it rains.
A warmer atmosphere also means warmer oceans, which can intensify flooding from hurricanes and offshore storms. Sea level rise also increases coastal flood risks, as higher seas mean there's more water available when high tides and coastal storms cause flooding.
Learn more about the environmental factors increasing flood risk.
Select year of projection
Change in extreme rain events compared to 1980-2010 average. i
Community Solutions
There are solutions to protect this area.
Communities that adapt to higher risks can limit damage and lower flood insurance costs. Chicago is already investing in flood risk reduction projects, but more may be needed. Learn more about solutions.
Green infrastructure is a cost-effective and sustainable flood management approach that gathers and removes water at its source.
- Open Spaces
By providing space for managed flooding, communities can reduce the flood risks for homes and businesses. These spaces can include cemeteries, golf courses, and parks.
- Marshes and Wetlands
Restoring or constructing new marsh or wetlands provides areas for water to be stored, therefore reducing flooding.
- Rain Gardens and Bioswales
Rain gardens reduce flash flooding by collecting rainwater and allowing time for the water to be absorbed or carried away. Bioswales are larger but functionally similar, and usually a part of a larger stormwater drainage system.
- Beach Dunes and Renourishment
Beaches and dunes work as natural walls to reduce the impact of storm surges. Adding sand to make beaches bigger helps limit coastal erosion and protect communities from flooding.
- Natural Barriers
Restoring and building up natural infrastructure such as barrier islands, oyster and coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to reduce flood risks.
Find your home's Flood Factor
Past floods, current risks, and future projections based on peer-reviewed research from the world's leading flood modelers.
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Over 142 million properties, neighborhoods, and cities analyzed
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Explore interactive flood maps to visualize recreated historic floods and see how flood risks change in the future.
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