Barber County Disaster Risk
Barber County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Barber County, Kansas
Barber County's elevated wildfire risk
Barber County scores 40.33 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it near the national average despite Kansas's lower overall risk profile. The county's composite score masks a dramatic wildfire risk of 92.27, one of the highest in Kansas and a true concern for residents. This concentration of wildfire hazard distinguishes Barber County from its peer counties.
Wildfire hotspot in western Kansas
Barber County's composite risk of 40.33 exceeds the Kansas state average of 29.89, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Its wildfire risk score of 92.27 ranks among the state's most extreme hazard concentrations, reflecting the county's geography and vegetation patterns in the Kansas panhandle. Tornado risk of 43.38 adds secondary but meaningful exposure.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Barber County (40.33) faces substantially higher composite risk than Allen County (15.27) and Anderson County (17.81) to the east. However, it's safer overall than Barton County (60.31) and Butler County (74.40) despite sharing the wildfire exposure pattern. The western Kansas cluster shows dramatically escalating risk profiles moving south and west.
Wildfire is the defining threat
Barber County's wildfire risk score of 92.27 is extraordinarily high and demands serious preparation and awareness, especially during dry seasons. Tornado risk of 43.38 presents a secondary but still significant hazard requiring spring storm readiness. Together, these two hazards define the county's disaster risk landscape for most residents.
Wildfire defense is essential
Barber County residents should create defensible space around their homes by removing dead vegetation, trimming tree branches, and using fire-resistant materials where possible. Develop an evacuation plan including multiple routes out of your area, and maintain emergency supplies including important documents and medications. Review your homeowners insurance for wildfire coverage details and ensure your property address is clearly marked for emergency responders.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Barber County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Barber County
Risk Verdict
Barber County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 40th percentile nationally is an advantage for Barber County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Barber County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (19th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile), flood (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 92th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Barber County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 43th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Barber County residents.
Regional Context
At 10.4 points above the Kansas state average, Barber County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Kansas county.
Is your household prepared for Barber County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Barber County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Barber County?
How does Barber County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Barber County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Barber County higher risk than average?
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.