riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Haskell County Disaster Risk

Haskell County, Kansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

15th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#72

of 105 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

2th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 2% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 25% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 13% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Haskell County, Kansas

Haskell's Risk: Well Below National Average

Haskell County scores 15.01 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This means residents face significantly lower natural disaster exposure than most Americans, though localized hazards still merit attention.

One of Kansas's Safest Counties

At 15.01, Haskell ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties, scoring less than half the Kansas average of 29.89. Only a handful of Kansas counties demonstrate comparable safety profiles.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Haskell's 15.01 composite score outperforms neighbors like Jackson County (21.53) and Jewell County (25.29), though it's less protected than nearby Hodgeman County (5.95). The variation reflects distinct geographic exposure to tornadoes and wildfires across the region.

Tornadoes and Wildfires Lead Haskell's Hazards

Tornado risk stands at 25.99 and wildfire risk at 24.94, making these two hazards the county's primary concerns. While both remain moderate compared to state hotspots, spring severe weather and dry-season vegetation fires warrant preparedness planning.

Ensure Storm and Fire Coverage

Despite low overall risk, homeowners should carry comprehensive coverage for tornado and wildfire damage, which standard policies may limit. Consider reinforced safe rooms for severe weather and defensible space around your property to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Haskell County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    26th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    25th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    13th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Haskell County

Risk Verdict

Haskell County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 15th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Haskell County residents can take confidence from a 15th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Haskell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 26th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (13th percentile), flood (2th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Haskell County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 26th percentile nationally. In Haskell County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Haskell County at the 25th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Haskell County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Haskell County households.

Regional Context

Compared to the Kansas county average, Haskell County's composite score runs 14.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.

Is your household prepared for Haskell County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Haskell County, KS?
Haskell County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 15th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Haskell County?
Haskell County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (26th percentile), wildfire (25th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile), flooding (2th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 26th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Haskell County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Haskell County's composite risk percentile is 15th, compared to the Kansas state average of 30th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Haskell County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kansas.
Is Haskell County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Haskell County's tornado risk is at the 26th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Haskell County is at the 2th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Haskell County a safe place to live?
Haskell County's composite risk score of 15th percentile is below the Kansas state average of 30th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 26th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.