Chautauqua County Disaster Risk
Chautauqua County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
12th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#81
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
12th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% 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 19% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Chautauqua County, Kansas
Chautauqua County faces very low national disaster risk
Chautauqua County's composite risk score of 12.12 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating despite elevated wildfire exposure. The county's overall safety profile is strengthened by minimal flood and low tornado risk relative to many U.S. regions.
Among Kansas's lowest-risk counties
At 12.12, Chautauqua County scores far below Kansas's state average of 29.89, ranking it firmly in the safest tier statewide. This advantage is driven by low flood risk and controlled tornado exposure, despite the state's significant wildfire vulnerability.
Safer than most regional peers
Chautauqua County's score outperforms nearby Elk and Cowley Counties, which face substantially higher tornado and flood risks. Its lower composite score reflects a more favorable hazard distribution across the south-central Kansas region.
Wildfire dominates the hazard landscape
Wildfire risk reaches 90.90 in Chautauqua County, the highest score across all county hazards and a significant concern despite the county's overall low rating. Tornado risk of 44.31 represents a secondary threat, though it remains manageable compared to some neighboring areas.
Invest in wildfire and severe weather protection
Homeowners should ensure comprehensive wildfire coverage in their property insurance and maintain strong tornado and wind protections. Given Chautauqua County's concentrated wildfire exposure, fire-resistant landscaping and home hardening are prudent investments.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Chautauqua County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Chautauqua County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Chautauqua County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 12th percentile. Chautauqua County's 12th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Chautauqua County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (19th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), flood (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 91th percentile nationally for wildfire, Chautauqua 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 44th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. 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 Chautauqua County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Chautauqua County is 17.8 composite risk points below the Kansas state mean, meaning most other Kansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Chautauqua County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Chautauqua County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Chautauqua County?
How does Chautauqua County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Chautauqua County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Chautauqua 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.