Gray County Disaster Risk
Gray County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
37th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
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
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gray County, Kansas
Gray County: Moderate Risk, Below National Average
Gray County's composite risk score of 36.74 earns a very low rating but sits above the national average, meaning residents face somewhat elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. The county ranks in the middle range nationally, with real but manageable risks.
Above-Average Risk for Kansas
Gray County's composite score of 36.74 exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, making it a higher-risk county within the state. This places Gray County in the upper-risk tier for Kansas communities, though still rated very low overall.
Highest Risk Among Western Kansas Peers
Gray County's score of 36.74 ranks it as the highest-risk county in its immediate region, noticeably higher than Grant County (13.55) and Graham County (4.33). Only Harvey County (38.93) in the broader region shows comparable or slightly higher overall risk.
Tornadoes Top Your Disaster Risk List
Tornado risk in Gray County reaches 45.04, your county's single most significant natural hazard threat, followed by wildfire risk at 39.06. Together, these two hazards account for the bulk of Gray County's disaster exposure and deserve primary focus in your emergency planning.
Storm Shelter Access Saves Lives
Gray County residents should prioritize access to a certified storm shelter or safe room, given tornado risk of 45.04—the county's dominant threat. Ensure your homeowners and renters insurance covers wind and hail damage, and consider supplemental coverage for major storm events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gray County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gray County
Risk Verdict
Gray County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 37th percentile nationally. At the 37th percentile nationally, Gray County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Gray County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (21th percentile), flood (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Gray County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 45th percentile nationally. For Gray County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Gray County at the 39th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Gray County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Gray County's composite risk score sits 6.8 points above the Kansas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Gray County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gray County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Gray County?
How does Gray County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Gray County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gray 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.