Marshall County Disaster Risk
Marshall County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% 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 Marshall County, Kansas
Marshall County in national context
Marshall County's composite risk score of 21.41 earns a Very Low rating and sits well below Kansas's state average of 29.89. This places the county among the safer communities nationally for natural disaster exposure.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Marshall County ranks in the lower-risk tier across Kansas's 105 counties, offering below-average exposure to most hazard types. Its Very Low rating reflects relatively modest threats compared to state counterparts.
Safest in the neighborhood
Marshall County's 21.41 score makes it the lowest-risk county among its immediate neighbors, well below Marion (37.98) and McPherson (39.22). This comparative safety reflects lower tornado exposure despite similar wildfire risk.
Wildfire dominates local hazards
Wildfire risk soars to 81.23, the highest threat in Marshall County despite its overall low risk profile. Tornado exposure ranks second at 56.01, still elevated compared to national averages for severe weather.
Prioritize wildfire preparedness
Marshall County residents should maintain robust homeowners insurance covering wildfire damage and keep home perimeters clear of dead vegetation. Wildfire-specific riders and adequate wind/hail coverage provide the most relevant protection here.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marshall County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marshall County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Marshall County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 21th percentile. At the 21th percentile, Marshall 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 Marshall County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (29th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 81th percentile nationally for wildfire, Marshall County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. A secondary tornado exposure at the 56th percentile nationally means Marshall County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Marshall County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Marshall County is 8.5 composite risk points below the Kansas state mean, meaning most other Kansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Marshall County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marshall County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Marshall County?
How does Marshall County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Marshall County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Marshall 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.