Harvey County Disaster Risk
Harvey County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% 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 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harvey County, Kansas
Harvey County's Above-Average National Risk
Harvey County's composite risk score of 38.93 sits well above the national average, making it a higher-risk county compared to most U.S. communities. Residents face notably elevated exposure to multiple major natural disaster threats.
Highest-Risk County in Kansas
Harvey County's score of 38.93 significantly exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, making it the highest-risk county in the entire state. This places Harvey County residents in the most vulnerable position compared to all other Kansans.
Elevated Risk Across All Hazards
Harvey County's score of 38.93 ranks it as the highest-risk county in the region, well above Harper County (31.33) and far exceeding western Kansas peers like Grant County (13.55) and Graham County (4.33). The county faces substantially greater natural disaster exposure than virtually all neighboring communities.
Tornado Risk Dominates Your Threats
Tornado risk in Harvey County reaches 78.72—the highest in the state and your county's most critical hazard—followed by wildfire risk at 67.33 and flood risk at 38.87. These three hazards combine to create Harvey County's elevated overall disaster exposure.
Comprehensive Coverage Is Non-Negotiable
Harvey County residents should prioritize access to a certified storm shelter and maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, fire, and flooding. Given the county's tornado risk of 78.72 and flood risk of 38.87, consider flood insurance even outside high-risk zones and review all policy limits annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harvey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harvey County
Risk Verdict
Harvey County's overall natural disaster score at the 39th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Harvey County's 39th 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 Harvey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (39th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 79th percentile nationally, Harvey County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 67th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Harvey County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Harvey County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Harvey County is 9.0 composite risk points above the Kansas average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Harvey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harvey County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Harvey County?
How does Harvey County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Harvey County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Harvey 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.