Atchison County Disaster Risk
Atchison County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#65
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Atchison County, Kansas
Atchison County's below-average risk profile
Atchison County scores 15.97 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it well below the U.S. average. The county experiences relatively modest exposure to major natural disasters by national standards. Tornado risk of 49.46 stands as its most prominent hazard, though it remains manageable with proper planning.
Among Kansas's lower-risk counties
Atchison County's composite risk of 15.97 is 47% below the Kansas state average of 29.89, positioning it firmly in the state's safer tier. The county's particular strength lies in low flood and earthquake risk relative to other Kansas communities. This favorable standing reflects the county's geographic and geologic advantages.
Part of northeastern Kansas's safe zone
Atchison County (15.97) ranks alongside Allen County (15.27) and Brown County (15.33) as the region's lowest-risk communities. Anderson County (17.81) nearby also maintains Very Low status. This cluster of counties in northeastern Kansas represents the state's most resilient natural disaster-prone areas.
Tornado risk requires attention
Tornadoes present Atchison County's primary natural disaster threat at a risk score of 49.46, substantially higher than the county's overall profile suggests. Wildfire risk of 72.74 is notable but less immediate to most residents than tornado preparedness. Flood risk (21.72) and earthquake exposure remain secondary concerns for county residents.
Prepare for severe weather season
Atchison County residents should prioritize tornado preparedness with an identified safe shelter space and a family emergency plan finalized before spring storms arrive. Homeowners insurance covers tornado wind damage but not flood damage, so review your policy and your property's flood zone status with your agent. Regular plan reviews ensure your household can respond quickly and safely when warnings occur.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Atchison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Atchison County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Atchison County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 16th percentile. A 16th percentile score positions Atchison County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Atchison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (26th percentile), flood (22th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 73th percentile nationally for wildfire, Atchison County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 49th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Atchison County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Atchison County is 13.9 composite risk points below the Kansas state mean, meaning most other Kansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Atchison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Atchison County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Atchison County?
How does Atchison County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Atchison County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Atchison 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.