Bourbon County Disaster Risk
Bourbon County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
36th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bourbon County, Kansas
Bourbon County's moderate risk standing
Bourbon County scores 35.66 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it modestly above the national average. The county experiences a balanced mix of hazards rather than a single dominant threat, with meaningful exposure to tornadoes (43.70), wildfire (44.85), and earthquakes (42.78). This diversified risk profile distinguishes Bourbon County from single-hazard counties.
Middle-tier risk among Kansas counties
Bourbon County's composite risk of 35.66 slightly exceeds the Kansas state average of 29.89, placing it in the state's middle range. The county shows relatively balanced exposure across multiple hazard types rather than extreme concentration in any single category. This moderate profile reflects Bourbon County's southeastern Kansas location at the intersection of several climatic and geologic zones.
Riskier than northeastern peers
Bourbon County (35.66) carries more composite risk than Allen County (15.27), Anderson County (17.81), Atchison County (15.97), and Brown County (15.33) to the north and east. However, it remains substantially safer than Barton County (60.31) and Butler County (74.40) to the west and south. Bourbon County occupies a middle position in eastern Kansas's risk spectrum.
Balanced hazard exposure requires awareness
Tornado risk of 43.70 and wildfire risk of 44.85 stand as Bourbon County's most significant natural disaster threats, roughly equal in impact potential. Earthquake risk of 42.78 is notably higher than most eastern Kansas counties, reflecting the county's proximity to seismic zones. Flood risk (40.11) adds a fourth meaningful consideration, making this a multi-hazard environment.
Prepare for multiple disaster types
Bourbon County residents should maintain tornado shelters and early warning systems while also creating defensible space around homes against wildfire spread. Earthquake preparedness—securing heavy furniture, knowing safe positions indoors—should supplement traditional severe weather planning. Review your homeowners insurance for all covered hazards and consider flood insurance given the county's elevated flood risk of 40.11.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bourbon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bourbon County
Risk Verdict
Bourbon County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 36th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 36th percentile national ranking is one lens; Bourbon County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Bourbon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), flood (40th percentile), hurricane (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Bourbon County's primary hazard at the 45th percentile nationally. For Bourbon County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's tornado exposure at the 44th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Bourbon County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Bourbon County falls 5.8 points above Kansas's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Bourbon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bourbon County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Bourbon County?
How does Bourbon County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Bourbon County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bourbon 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.