Meade County Disaster Risk
Meade County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#67
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
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Meade County, Kansas
Meade County's low overall risk
Meade County scores just 15.55 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below Kansas's state average of 29.89. This places the county among the nation's safer communities for natural disaster exposure.
Kansas's safest county tier
Meade County ranks in the lowest-risk category across Kansas's 105 counties, reflecting minimal exposure to flooding and earthquakes. Its very low composite score reflects one of the state's most favorable risk profiles.
Safest in the southwest
Meade County's 15.55 score makes it the lowest-risk county in its southwestern Kansas region, well below statewide averages. Nearby counties experience notably higher composite risk despite sharing similar geographic characteristics.
Wildfire the primary concern
Wildfire risk stands at 87.63, the only substantially elevated hazard in Meade County and notably higher than other threats. Flood risk is minimal at 2.89, and tornado exposure at 32.89 remains well below state averages.
Wildfire insurance essential
Meade County residents should ensure homeowners policies include robust wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around structures. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but reviewing deductibles and coverage limits ensures adequate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Meade County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Meade County
Risk Verdict
Meade County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 16th percentile nationally. Meade County's 16th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Meade County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (16th percentile), flood (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 88th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Meade County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. The county's tornado exposure at the 33th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Meade County residents.
Regional Context
Meade County falls 14.3 points below Kansas's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Meade County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Meade County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Meade County?
How does Meade County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Meade County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Meade 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.