Clay County Disaster Risk
Clay County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#64
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% 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 18% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clay County, Kansas
Clay County faces very low national disaster risk
Clay County's composite risk score of 16.44 places it well below the national average with a "Very Low" rating, reflecting minimal multi-hazard exposure. The county's central Kansas location provides natural buffering against extreme disaster scenarios.
Safe by Kansas standards
At 16.44, Clay County scores substantially below Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it among the state's lower-risk communities. This favorable position is driven by low flood risk and minimal earthquake exposure, though tornado exposure remains moderate.
Comparable to nearby counties
Clay County's risk profile is similar to neighboring Cloud and Washington Counties but outperforms riskier areas to the south and east. The county's central location balances tornado exposure with lower flood and earthquake threats.
Wildfire and tornado are primary threats
Wildfire risk reaches 73.47 in Clay County, with tornado risk at 44.21, representing the county's two most significant hazards. Both exceed state averages but remain manageable compared to southeastern Kansas counties.
Ensure comprehensive severe weather coverage
Homeowners should maintain robust tornado and wind protection alongside wildfire coverage in their property insurance policies. Clay County's moderate tornado exposure makes a reinforced safe room or shelter a valuable investment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clay County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clay County
Risk Verdict
Clay County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 16th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 16th percentile nationally is an advantage for Clay County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Clay County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 44th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (22th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Clay County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 73th percentile nationally. Clay 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 44th percentile nationally means Clay County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Clay 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 Clay County's score by 13.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Clay County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clay County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Clay County?
How does Clay County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Clay County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clay 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.