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

Linn County Disaster Risk

Linn County, Kansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

12th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#80

of 105 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

23th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 23% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 36% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Linn County, Kansas

Linn ranks among America's safest

Linn County's composite risk score of 12.25 places it firmly in the Very Low category, well below the national average. This southeastern Kansas county offers residents substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most of the nation.

Among Kansas's lowest-risk counties

Linn's score of 12.25 is less than half the Kansas state average of 29.89, making it one of the state's safest counties. Only Lane County (2.32) has a notably lower risk profile statewide.

Safer than regional comparables

Linn County's risk profile is substantially lower than neighboring Labette County (66.19), making it one of the region's safer communities. Linn benefits from a more favorable natural disaster exposure pattern than most eastern Kansas peers.

Tornado risk leads, but remains low

Tornado risk scores 38.87 in Linn County, its highest hazard exposure, though this remains below state averages. Wildfire (36.32) and flood (22.93) risks follow, representing secondary concerns in this relatively safe county.

Standard coverage typically adequate

Linn County's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most residents. However, those in tornado-prone corridors should verify strong wind and tornado coverage is included in their policy.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Linn County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    39th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    36th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    30th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Linn County

Risk Verdict

Linn County's overall natural disaster score at the 12th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 12th percentile nationally is an advantage for Linn County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Linn County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (30th percentile), flood (23th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With tornado ranked at the 39th percentile nationally, Linn 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. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 36th percentile nationally means Linn County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Linn 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

Linn County's composite risk score sits 17.6 points below the Kansas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Linn 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 Linn County, KS?
Linn County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 12th 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 Linn County?
Linn County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (39th percentile), wildfire (36th percentile), earthquake (30th percentile), flooding (23th percentile), hurricane (11th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 39th 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 Linn County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Linn County's composite risk percentile is 12th, compared to the Kansas state average of 30th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Linn County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kansas.
Is Linn County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Linn County's tornado risk is at the 39th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Linn County is at the 23th 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 Linn County a safe place to live?
Linn County's composite risk score of 12th 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 39th 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.