Cheyenne County Disaster Risk
Cheyenne County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
8th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#88
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cheyenne County, Kansas
Cheyenne County ranks among lowest-risk U.S. counties
Cheyenne County's composite risk score of 8.40 places it at the very bottom of the national disaster risk distribution, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county's northwestern Kansas location and landscape result in minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.
Kansas's safest counties
At 8.40, Cheyenne County scores dramatically below Kansas's state average of 29.89, ranking among the top safest communities statewide. This exceptional safety profile reflects consistently low risk across flood, tornado, and earthquake categories.
Safer than all immediate neighbors
Cheyenne County's risk score significantly outperforms bordering Sherman and Thomas Counties, which face higher wildfire and tornado exposure. Its high plains location provides natural protection from many severe weather events affecting adjacent regions.
Wildfire represents primary concern
Wildfire risk scores 62.95 in Cheyenne County, making it the dominant hazard despite the county's overall very low composite risk. Tornado exposure at 35.34 remains low compared to state and national benchmarks.
Standard coverage with wildfire attention
Homeowners should maintain basic property insurance with explicit wildfire and wind coverage to address the county's primary threats. The low overall risk profile means comprehensive disaster insurance is less critical than in many other Kansas regions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cheyenne County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cheyenne County
Risk Verdict
Cheyenne County's overall natural disaster score at the 8th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Cheyenne County can use the 8th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cheyenne County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (18th percentile), flood (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 63th percentile nationally, Cheyenne County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Cheyenne County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 35th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Cheyenne County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Cheyenne County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Cheyenne County's composite risk score sits 21.5 points below the Kansas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Cheyenne County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cheyenne County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Cheyenne County?
How does Cheyenne County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Cheyenne County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cheyenne 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.