Summary

Flood risk overview for Chicago

There are 84,559 properties in Chicago that have greater than a 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 14% of all properties in the city.

In addition to damage on properties, flooding can also cut off access to utilities, emergency services, transportation, and may impact the overall economic well-being of an area. Overall, Chicago has a moderate risk of flooding over the next 30 years, which means flooding is likely to impact day to day life within the community.

Explore the maps below to learn more about the homes, roads, businesses, and services at risk in Chicago.

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Current Protections

There are solutions to protect Chicago

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.

Known adaptation measures

604,535

Properties protected by adaptation

Where to Start

Lowering flood risk starts with higher standards

Some places plan to a higher standard (a "500 year" standard) that lowers the number of properties at severe risk. Protecting homes to this level would reduce the risk to the 84,559 severely affected properties by 77%.

Flood Event		% chance of flooding in a given year		% chance of flooding over 30 years
100 year		1%		26%
500 year		.02%		6%

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.

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Approx. properties have a 0.2% chance of some amount of water reaching their building in 2021.

Depth of flooding (feet)

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.

Community Solutions

Solutions can protect Chicago.

Individuals, mayors, governors, and Congress can work together to build protections before flooding, build back stronger after flooding, and create plans that future-proof communities. 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.

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.