Harper County Disaster Risk
Harper County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harper County, Kansas
Harper County: Moderate Risk Profile
Harper County's composite risk score of 31.33 places it at very low risk overall but slightly above the national average. Residents face somewhat elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical U.S. counties, though the rating remains very low.
Above-Average Risk for Kansas
Harper County's score of 31.33 exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, making it a higher-risk county within the state. This positions Harper County in the upper-risk tier of Kansas communities, though still rated very low nationally.
Second-Highest Risk in the Region
Harper County's score of 31.33 ranks it as the second-highest-risk county in its immediate area, exceeded only by nearby Harvey County (38.93). The county faces notably greater disaster exposure than Grant County (13.55) and Graham County (4.33) to the north.
Tornado and Wildfire Top Your Threats
Tornado risk in Harper County reaches 62.72—the county's dominant natural hazard—followed by wildfire risk at 79.48 and earthquake risk at 27.32. Together, these three hazards account for the vast majority of Harper County's natural disaster exposure.
Invest in Storm Shelter and Coverage
Harper County residents should prioritize access to a certified storm shelter or safe room given tornado risk of 62.72 and wildfire risk of 79.48. Ensure your homeowners and renters insurance includes comprehensive wind, hail, and fire coverage with adequate limits for your property value.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harper County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harper County
Risk Verdict
Harper County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 31th percentile nationally. At the 31th percentile, Harper County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Harper County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (27th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile), flood (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 79th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Harper 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 63th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Harper County residents.
Regional Context
Harper County tracks the Kansas county average closely, sitting 1.4 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Kansas.
Is your household prepared for Harper County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harper County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Harper County?
How does Harper County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Harper County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Harper 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.