McPherson County Disaster Risk
McPherson County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
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 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McPherson County, Kansas
McPherson County's disaster risk
McPherson County scores 39.22 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating while exceeding Kansas's state average of 29.89. This moderate exposure places the county in a manageable risk tier nationally.
Above-average risk for Kansas
McPherson County ranks above the state median among Kansas's 105 counties, reflecting notably higher tornado exposure than most of its peers. Its Very Low rating still indicates manageable overall hazard exposure statewide.
Highest-risk neighbor in cluster
McPherson County's 39.22 score edges out Marion County (37.98) and far exceeds Marshall County (21.41) in the immediate neighborhood. Its elevated tornado risk (77.10) significantly outpaces both neighbors' storm exposure.
Tornado threat leads all hazards
Tornadoes rank as the dominant natural disaster risk here with a score of 77.10, among the highest in the state. Wildfire exposure follows at 67.37, presenting a secondary but significant threat.
Strong tornado safety measures
McPherson County residents must prioritize access to a safe room or storm shelter and ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage. A comprehensive policy addressing both tornado and wildfire exposure provides the best protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McPherson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McPherson County
Risk Verdict
At the 39th percentile nationally, McPherson County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 39th percentile, McPherson County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is McPherson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (33th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
McPherson County ranks at the 77th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in McPherson County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 67th percentile nationally means McPherson County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. McPherson County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Kansas counties, McPherson County runs 9.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for McPherson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McPherson County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect McPherson County?
How does McPherson County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is McPherson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McPherson County higher risk than average?
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.