Brown County Disaster Risk
Brown County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#68
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brown County, Kansas
Brown County's favorable risk position
Brown County scores 15.33 on the national composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's overall risk remains minimal by U.S. standards despite modest elevation in tornado and wildfire exposure. This favorable standing reflects Brown County's northern Kansas geography and relative distance from major hazard zones.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Brown County's composite risk of 15.33 is just 51% of the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it firmly in the state's lower-risk tier. The county benefits from particularly low flood (17.65) and earthquake (22.17) exposure relative to other Kansas communities. This safety advantage is notable across the state's ranking.
Part of safe northeastern cluster
Brown County (15.33) ranks nearly identically to Allen County (15.27) and Atchison County (15.97), forming a cohesive low-risk cluster in northeastern Kansas. Anderson County (17.81) and Bourbon County (35.66) nearby show the beginning of risk escalation southward. This region represents Kansas's most resilient natural disaster environment.
Tornado and wildfire warrant planning
Brown County's tornado risk of 54.96 and wildfire risk of 71.41 are its most significant hazards, though the county's overall low exposure suggests they remain manageable with proper preparation. Flood risk (17.65) and earthquake exposure (22.17) are minimal concerns. Residents should focus preparedness efforts on spring tornado season and summer wildfire awareness.
Maintain basic disaster readiness
Brown County residents should establish a household emergency plan with tornado shelter location and severe weather warning systems as the priority. Wildfire awareness and defensible space, while less critical than in western Kansas, still warrant attention during dry seasons. Annual insurance reviews and emergency plan practice sessions help ensure household readiness across the county's modest hazard spectrum.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brown County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brown County
Risk Verdict
Brown County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 15th percentile nationally. Even at the 15th percentile, Brown County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Brown County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 55th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (22th percentile), flood (18th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Brown County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 71th percentile nationally. Brown County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 55th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Brown County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Kansas county average exceeds Brown County's score by 14.6 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Brown County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brown County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Brown County?
How does Brown County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Brown County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Brown 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.