Anderson County Disaster Risk
Anderson County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
19th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Anderson County, Kansas
Anderson County faces low national risk
Anderson County scores 17.81 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it substantially below the national average. The county's exposure to major natural disasters remains minimal compared to most U.S. counties. Tornado risk of 40.71 is its most pronounced hazard, though still moderate in national context.
Well below Kansas average risk
At 17.81, Anderson County's composite risk score is just 60% of the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it safely in the state's lower-risk tier. The county benefits from lower wildfire exposure and minimal flood and earthquake threats relative to other Kansas communities. This positions Anderson County as one of the state's more resilient areas.
Safest county in this region
Anderson County (17.81) sits slightly above Allen County (15.27) but below Bourbon County (35.66) in the local risk hierarchy. Compared to nearby Barton County (60.31) and Butler County (74.40), Anderson County remains notably safer. The eastern Kansas region shows considerable variation in natural disaster risk across short distances.
Tornado and wildfire dominate hazards
Tornadoes pose Anderson County's highest risk at 40.71, followed by wildfire exposure of 37.15—both moderate but not exceptional by Kansas standards. Flood risk (19.18) and earthquake risk (23.57) remain minor concerns. Spring severe weather preparedness and familiarity with local shelters should be residents' primary disaster readiness focus.
Build your disaster readiness plan
While Anderson County's overall risk remains low, tornado season demands serious preparation including a designated safe room or basement shelter and a family communication plan. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage from tornadoes but excludes flooding, so evaluate your property's specific flood risk and consider supplemental coverage if warranted. Review your insurance and emergency plan at the start of each severe weather season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Anderson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Anderson County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Anderson County ranks at the 18th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Residents of Anderson County can use the 18th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Anderson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (24th percentile), flood (19th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 41th percentile nationally makes Anderson County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Anderson County at the 37th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. In Anderson County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
At 12.1 points below the Kansas state average, Anderson County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Anderson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Anderson County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Anderson County?
How does Anderson County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Anderson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Anderson County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.