Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
44th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Kansas
Franklin County faces moderate disaster risk
Franklin County's composite risk score of 43.73 and Relatively Low rating indicate considerably higher hazard exposure than the typical U.S. county. Residents experience roughly 50% more combined disaster risk than the national average.
Moderately above Kansas state average
At 43.73, Franklin County exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of the state's risk profile. Several adjacent counties face similar or greater exposure.
Comparable to nearby counties
Franklin County's risk aligns closely with neighboring Morris and Chase counties, reflecting shared exposure to tornado and flooding threats in east-central Kansas. Earthquake risk is somewhat elevated compared to immediate neighbors.
Tornadoes and flooding are primary concerns
Tornado risk scores 66.60 and flood risk reaches 48.00, making these Franklin County's most significant natural hazards. Wildfire at 50.22 and earthquake at 35.81 round out the county's multi-faceted risk profile.
Prioritize flood and tornado protection
Franklin County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong tornado coverage and a designated safe space or shelter. Flood insurance is highly recommended given the county's elevated flood risk and proximity to streams and rivers.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
Franklin County's FEMA risk score places it at the 44th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. Franklin County's 44th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (48th percentile), earthquake (36th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 67th percentile nationally makes Franklin County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 50th percentile nationally means Franklin County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. In Franklin County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Kansas county average is 13.8 composite points below Franklin County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Franklin County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Franklin 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.