Cherokee County Disaster Risk
Cherokee County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
55th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cherokee County, Kansas
Cherokee County faces moderate national disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 53.69, Cherokee County ranks "Relatively Low" nationally but carries substantially higher exposure than most Kansas counties. The county's tornado and flood threats drive its elevated profile relative to the national average.
Higher-risk county by Kansas standards
Cherokee County's score of 53.69 significantly exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it among the state's higher-risk communities. This elevated ranking is primarily driven by notably high tornado risk and substantial flood exposure.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Cherokee County faces substantially higher tornado (74.33) and flood (54.80) risks compared to neighboring Crawford and Labette Counties. Its southeastern Kansas location exposes it to more severe weather patterns than western and central county peers.
Tornadoes and floods pose greatest threats
Tornado risk scores 74.33—Cherokee County's most significant hazard—while flood risk reaches 54.80, both substantially above state averages. These concurrent threats demand serious preparedness attention from county residents and property owners.
Prioritize flood and tornado coverage now
Homeowners must secure comprehensive flood insurance in addition to standard homeowner's policies, since flooding remains a persistent threat. Tornado coverage with adequate wind protection and a reinforced safe room significantly reduce injury and property loss risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cherokee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cherokee County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 54th, Cherokee County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cherokee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (55th percentile), earthquake (52th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 74th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Cherokee County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Cherokee County at the 56th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Cherokee County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 23.8 points above the Kansas state average, Cherokee County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Kansas county.
Is your household prepared for Cherokee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cherokee County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Cherokee County?
How does Cherokee County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Cherokee County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cherokee 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.