Kiowa County Disaster Risk
Kiowa County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
15th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#71
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
5th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kiowa County, Kansas
Kiowa ranks well below national risk
Kiowa County's composite risk score of 15.04 places it in the Very Low category, well below the national average. This means residents face significantly less overall natural disaster exposure than most Americans.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Kiowa ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Kansas, with a score less than half the state average of 29.89. Only a handful of Kansas counties have lower composite risk scores.
Safer than regional peers
Kiowa's risk profile is substantially lower than neighboring Logan County (7.38) and Lincoln County (13.52), both also low-risk areas. The county's wildfire risk of 82.79 stands out as its primary hazard concern relative to the region.
Wildfire dominates Kiowa's hazards
Wildfire risk scores 82.79 in Kiowa, making it the county's most significant natural disaster threat despite the overall low composite rating. Tornado risk follows at 32.38, which remains below state averages but warrants seasonal preparedness.
Prioritize wildfire and tornado coverage
Homeowners in Kiowa should ensure their insurance covers wildfire damage, particularly given the elevated risk score in this hazard category. Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire; consider a separate rider or comprehensive coverage to protect your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kiowa County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kiowa County
Risk Verdict
Kiowa County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 15th percentile nationally. At the 15th percentile, Kiowa 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 Kiowa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (13th percentile), flood (5th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Kiowa County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 83th percentile nationally. Kiowa County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 32th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Kiowa County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Kansas county average exceeds Kiowa County's score by 14.8 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Kiowa County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kiowa County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Kiowa County?
How does Kiowa County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Kiowa County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Kiowa 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.