Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#57
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, Kansas
Jefferson County Below National Disaster Risk
Jefferson County's composite risk of 19.66 places it in the Very Low category and below the national average. However, this understates the county's notable exposure to wildfires and flooding, which require household preparedness.
Safer Than Most Kansas Counties
At 19.66, Jefferson scores well below the Kansas average of 29.89, putting it in the state's safer tier. The county's below-average composite score masks above-average wildfire and flood risks.
Higher Risk Than Jackson, Lower Than Kingman
Jefferson (19.66) falls between Jackson (21.53) and Haskell (15.01), but its wildfire exposure at 67.72 exceeds most neighbors. This reflects the county's exposed position in Kansas's fire-prone northeast region.
Wildfires and Floods Top Jefferson's Risks
Wildfire (67.72) and flood (32.57) risks both exceed state averages, with tornadoes at 47.84 rounding out the top three. Spring flooding and fall/winter wildfire seasons drive most of the county's natural disaster exposure.
Bundle Wildfire, Flood, and Storm Coverage
Standard homeowner policies often exclude wildfire and flood damage—verify both are covered or add riders. Maintain gutters, trim branches overhanging your roof, and know your local flood zone and evacuation routes.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Jefferson County ranks at the 20th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Being ranked at the 20th percentile nationally is an advantage for Jefferson County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 48th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (33th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Jefferson County sits at the 68th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Jefferson County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. A secondary tornado exposure at the 48th percentile nationally means Jefferson County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Jefferson County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 10.2 points below the Kansas state average, Jefferson County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Jefferson County?
How does Jefferson County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Jefferson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Jefferson County a safe place to live?
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.