Kansas natural disaster risk
Kansas ranks #14 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are ice storm, hail, winter weather.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Kansas's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County | 620,631 | 94.8 | Relatively High |
| Sedgwick County | 528,226 | 96.6 | Relatively High |
| Shawnee County | 178,025 | 88.0 | Relatively Moderate |
| Wyandotte County | 167,654 | 89.4 | Relatively Moderate |
| Douglas County | 120,302 | 74.8 | Relatively Low |
| Leavenworth County | 83,123 | 66.3 | Relatively Low |
| Riley County | 71,946 | 58.5 | Relatively Low |
| Butler County | 68,287 | 74.4 | Relatively Low |
| Reno County | 61,553 | 80.2 | Relatively Low |
| Saline County | 53,668 | 66.2 | Relatively Low |
| Crawford County | 39,008 | 71.4 | Relatively Low |
| Finney County | 38,084 | 63.7 | Relatively Low |
| Geary County | 35,815 | 40.6 | Very Low |
| Miami County | 34,938 | 43.1 | Relatively Low |
| Cowley County | 34,411 | 69.1 | Relatively Low |
| Ford County | 34,074 | 51.7 | Relatively Low |
| Harvey County | 33,756 | 38.9 | Very Low |
| Lyon County | 32,186 | 47.6 | Relatively Low |
| Montgomery County | 30,940 | 73.4 | Relatively Low |
| McPherson County | 30,205 | 39.2 | Very Low |
| Ellis County | 28,920 | 32.7 | Very Low |
| Pottawatomie County | 26,204 | 30.9 | Very Low |
| Franklin County | 26,106 | 43.7 | Relatively Low |
| Barton County | 25,097 | 60.3 | Relatively Low |
| Sumner County | 22,353 | 48.8 | Relatively Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Kansas
- Pottawatomie County 30.9
- Ellis County 32.7
- Harvey County 38.9
- McPherson County 39.2
- Geary County 40.6
- Seward County 42.3
- Miami County 43.1
- Franklin County 43.7
Cities in Kansas
- Kansas City, MO risk 87.7
- Wichita, KS risk 89.6
Frequently asked questions
Is Kansas safe from natural disasters?
Kansas's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 71.3 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #14 of 51 from safest. About 39% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Kansas?
The highest relative risks in Kansas are ice storm, hail, winter weather (national percentile scores 88, 87, 87).
Where is the safest place to live in Kansas?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Pottawatomie County, Ellis County, Harvey County.