Kearny County Disaster Risk
Kearny County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
8th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#89
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
3th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kearny County, Kansas
Kearny County: One of Nation's Safest
Kearny County scores just 8.37 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the nation's lowest-risk counties. This exceptional safety profile reflects minimal flood exposure and moderate tornado and wildfire risks.
Second-Safest County in Kansas
At 8.37, Kearny ranks second only to Hodgeman (5.95) among Kansas counties and far below the state average of 29.89. The county's combination of low flood and tornado risks creates remarkable disaster resilience.
Safest in Its Western Kansas Region
Kearny (8.37) significantly outperforms Hodgeman (5.95)—the only safer Kansas county—and beats all other western neighbors. Its low-flood, low-tornado profile contrasts sharply with riskier eastern Kansas communities.
Wildfire Is Kearny's Only Notable Hazard
Wildfire risk at 32.16 stands as the county's primary concern, while flood (3.21) and tornado (21.06) risks remain minimal. Dry-season vegetation fires warrant attention, but overall hazard exposure remains exceptionally low.
Focus on Wildfire Preparedness
Ensure your homeowner policy covers wildfire damage, as it's Kearny's only meaningful natural disaster risk. Maintain defensible space, keep vegetation trimmed back from structures, and stay informed during dry seasons when fire danger peaks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kearny County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kearny County
Risk Verdict
Kearny County's overall natural disaster score at the 8th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Even at the 8th percentile, Kearny County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Kearny County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 32th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 21th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (14th percentile), flood (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 32th percentile nationally, Kearny County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Kearny County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 21th percentile nationally means Kearny County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Kearny County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Kearny County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Kearny County's composite risk score sits 21.5 points below the Kansas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Kearny County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kearny County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Kearny County?
How does Kearny County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Kearny County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Kearny 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.