Elk County Disaster Risk
Elk County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#74
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Elk County, Kansas
Elk County sits well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 14.60, Elk County ranks as Very Low for natural disasters—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This means residents face substantially fewer threats from flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes combined.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Elk County's score of 14.60 places it well below Kansas's state average of 29.89, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. Residents enjoy considerably better odds than their neighbors across much of the state.
Safer than most surrounding areas
Compared to adjacent counties like Woodson and Chase, Elk County's risk profile is notably lower across nearly all hazard types. Its 14.60 composite score reflects a genuinely protective geographic position in southeast Kansas.
Wildfire and tornado are top concerns
Wildfire risk scores 91.70 and tornado risk reaches 37.98—both are Elk County's most significant threats, though tornado exposure remains well-managed. Flooding and earthquakes pose minimal danger, with scores of 17.81 and 19.18 respectively.
Basic coverage protects against main risks
Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, while wildfire-specific riders provide added peace of mind given the county's elevated brush fire exposure. Given your low overall risk profile, basic coverage meets most residents' needs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Elk County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Elk County
Risk Verdict
Elk County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 15th percentile nationally. At the 15th percentile nationally, Elk County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Elk County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 38th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (19th percentile), flood (18th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 92th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Elk County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 38th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Elk County residents.
Regional Context
Elk County falls 15.3 points below Kansas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Elk County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Elk County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Elk County?
How does Elk County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Elk County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Elk 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.