Coffey County Disaster Risk
Coffey County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
35th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#38
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
41th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Coffey County, Kansas
Coffey County faces moderate national disaster risk
Coffey County's composite risk score of 35.34 places it slightly above the national average but earns a "Very Low" rating due to the distribution of its hazards. The county's east-central Kansas location exposes it to multiple simultaneous weather threats.
Higher-risk county by Kansas standards
At 35.34, Coffey County exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it among the state's higher-risk communities. Tornado risk of 48.66 and wildfire exposure of 78.50 are both above state averages, combining to elevate the county's overall profile.
Riskier than most adjacent counties
Coffey County faces substantially higher wildfire (78.50) and tornado (48.66) risks compared to neighboring Morris and Osage Counties. Its location in east-central Kansas positions it at the convergence of multiple hazard zones affecting the region.
Wildfire and tornado threats compound
Wildfire risk reaches 78.50 in Coffey County, the highest hazard category, while tornado risk scores 48.66 and flood risk reaches 41.16. This convergence of three significant threats requires serious preparedness from county residents.
Comprehensive hazard coverage is essential
Homeowners must secure strong wildfire, tornado, and wind coverage, and seriously consider flood insurance given the county's 41.16 flood score. A combination of reinforced safe spaces and property hardening measures significantly reduces disaster vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Coffey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Coffey County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Coffey County ranks at the 35th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. The 35th percentile national ranking is one lens; Coffey County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Coffey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (41th percentile), earthquake (30th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Coffey County sits at the 78th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Coffey County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 49th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Coffey County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
The Kansas county average is 5.4 composite points below Coffey County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Coffey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Coffey County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Coffey County?
How does Coffey County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Coffey County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Coffey 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.