Out of 40 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 40 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 103 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 5 |
Top 40 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cook | Illinois | 40 | 2 | 2025 | 29/100 |
| 2 | Will | Illinois | 10 | 0 | 2021 | 9/100 |
| 3 | Kane | Illinois | 5 | 0 | 2023 | 4/100 |
| 4 | Lake | Illinois | 5 | 0 | 2018 | 2/100 |
| 5 | Kendall | Illinois | 4 | 0 | 2025 | 9/100 |
| 6 | McHenry | Illinois | 4 | 0 | 2023 | 4/100 |
| 7 | DuPage | Illinois | 4 | 0 | 2023 | 4/100 |
| 8 | LaSalle | Illinois | 4 | 0 | 2021 | 3/100 |
| 9 | DeKalb | Illinois | 3 | 0 | 2014 | 2/100 |
| 10 | McLean | Illinois | 2 | 0 | 2020 | 1/100 |
| 11 | Macon | Illinois | 1 | 1 | 2019 | 14/100 |
| 12 | Moultrie | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2022 | 14/100 |
| 13 | Fulton | Illinois | 1 | 1 | 2016 | 11/100 |
| 14 | Morgan | Illinois | 1 | 1 | 2010 | 7/100 |
| 15 | Ogle | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 3/100 |
| 16 | Wabash | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 3/100 |
| 17 | Woodford | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 2/100 |
| 18 | Macoupin | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 2/100 |
| 19 | Livingston | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 1/100 |
| 20 | Whiteside | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 21 | Henry | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2010 | 1/100 |
| 22 | McDonough | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 1/100 |
| 23 | Henderson | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 1/100 |
| 24 | Peoria | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2007 | 1/100 |
| 25 | Tazewell | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 1/100 |
| 26 | Douglas | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 27 | Coles | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 1/100 |
| 28 | Pike | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 29 | Jefferson | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2019 | 1/100 |
| 30 | Massac | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2013 | 1/100 |
| 31 | Winnebago | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2006 | 0/100 |
| 32 | Madison | Illinois | 1 | 0 | 2007 | 0/100 |
| 33 | Grundy | Illinois | 0 | 0 | — | 29/100 |
| 34 | Mason | Illinois | 0 | 0 | — | 11/100 |
| 35 | Mercer | Illinois | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 36 | Cass | Illinois | 0 | 0 | — | 7/100 |
| 37 | Lee | Illinois | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 38 | Knox | Illinois | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 39 | Warren | Illinois | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 40 | Hancock | Illinois | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Illinois based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.