Butler County Disaster Risk
Butler County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
74th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Butler County, Kansas
Butler County faces elevated risk nationwide
Butler County scores 74.40 on the national composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, placing it significantly above the national average and among the nation's higher-risk counties. The county's exposure across multiple major hazards—tornadoes (90.17), wildfire (95.64), and flooding (67.75)—creates a complex and serious disaster landscape. This is Kansas's most hazard-exposed county in this analysis.
Kansas's highest-risk county analyzed
Butler County's composite risk of 74.40 is 149% of the Kansas state average of 29.89, the highest among all eight counties examined. The county faces hazard exposure that is truly extreme for Kansas, particularly in tornado (90.17) and wildfire (95.64) categories. Butler County residents confront a demanding and multi-faceted natural disaster environment requiring serious preparation.
Riskier than all surrounding counties
Butler County (74.40) carries dramatically more composite risk than any neighboring county, including Barton County (60.31) directly north. It represents an escalation zone where central and south-central Kansas hazards converge most intensely. The sharp risk increase in Butler County reflects its geography and exposure to major severe weather and wildfire corridors.
Extreme tornado and wildfire exposure
Butler County's tornado risk of 90.17 and wildfire risk of 95.64 are among the most severe in Kansas and demand serious preparation and vigilance. Flood risk of 67.75 adds substantial secondary concern, creating a three-front disaster landscape. Residents face one of the state's most challenging natural disaster environments.
Comprehensive preparedness is critical
Butler County residents must invest in robust tornado shelters or safe rooms and maintain comprehensive early warning systems for spring severe weather. Wildfire preparation including defensible space, evacuation plans, and emergency supplies is essential during dry seasons. Flood insurance is critical given the county's 67.75 flood risk score—purchase it immediately, as coverage requires a 30-day waiting period.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Butler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Butler County
Risk Verdict
Butler County ranks at the 74th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Butler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (68th percentile), earthquake (38th percentile), hurricane (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Butler County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Butler County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 90th percentile nationally means Butler County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Butler County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other Kansas counties, Butler County runs 44.5 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Butler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Butler County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Butler County?
How does Butler County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Butler County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Butler 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.