Crawford County Disaster Risk
Crawford County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
71th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
69th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Crawford County, Kansas
Crawford County experiences above-average risk
Crawford County's composite risk score of 71.44 ranks it as Relatively Low nationally but significantly exceeds Kansas's county average of 29.89. The score reflects exposure to multiple concurrent hazards across different geographies.
Among the riskier Kansas counties
At 71.44, Crawford County ranks in the upper tier for disaster risk statewide, placing it among Kansas counties with the highest exposure. The county faces considerably greater hazard risk than the vast majority of its peers.
Riskier than most neighbors
Crawford County's 71.44 score substantially exceeds Doniphan County (13.99) to the north and Dickinson County (49.14) to the west. Eastern Kansas counties generally face elevated tornado and flood risks compared to western regions.
Tornados, flooding, and earthquakes converge
Tornado risk reaches 88.58 and flood risk scores 68.89—two major threats that combine to drive the county's high composite score. Earthquake risk at 68.86 is notably higher than most Kansas counties, reflecting the county's southeastern location near the New Madrid seismic zone.
Multi-hazard insurance strategy needed
Crawford County residents need comprehensive homeowners coverage for wind, hail, and storm damage, plus separate flood insurance given the 68.89 flood risk. Earthquake insurance should be evaluated, particularly for older homes vulnerable to seismic activity.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Crawford County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Crawford County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Crawford County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 71th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Crawford County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Crawford County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (69th percentile), wildfire (34th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 89th percentile nationally, Crawford County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary flood hazard at the 69th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Crawford County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Crawford County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Crawford County is 41.6 composite risk points above the Kansas average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Crawford County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Crawford County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Crawford County?
How does Crawford County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Crawford County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Crawford 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.