Edwards County Disaster Risk
Edwards County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Edwards County, Kansas
Edwards County has minimal disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 17.56, Edwards County ranks Very Low—significantly below the national average. The county experiences minimal exposure across most natural hazard categories.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Edwards County's 17.56 score ranks it in the lowest tier statewide, well below Kansas's county average of 29.89. Few Kansas counties offer lower overall natural disaster risk.
One of the region's safest areas
Edwards County's 17.56 score is comparable to nearby Comanche County (20.23) and Decatur County (11.29). Southwest Kansas offers among the state's lowest natural hazard exposure.
Wildfire presents the main concern
Wildfire risk at 52.48 represents Edwards County's most significant hazard, driven by the county's High Plains grassland and dry conditions. All other hazard categories—tornado (24.75), flood (10.50), and earthquake (15.14)—score substantially lower.
Standard homeowners insurance is sufficient
Edwards County's very low overall risk profile means standard homeowners policies covering basic wind and hail protection provide adequate safety for most residents. Specialized disaster insurance beyond standard coverage is unlikely to be necessary or cost-effective.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Edwards County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Edwards County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Edwards County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 18th percentile. Being ranked at the 18th percentile nationally is an advantage for Edwards County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Edwards County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (15th percentile), flood (10th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 52th percentile nationally for wildfire, Edwards County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 25th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Edwards County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Edwards County is 12.3 composite risk points below the Kansas state mean, meaning most other Kansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Edwards County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Edwards County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Edwards County?
How does Edwards County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Edwards County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Edwards 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.