Miami County Disaster Risk
Miami County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Miami County, Kansas
Miami County's elevated risk profile
Miami County scores 43.07 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and exceeding Kansas's state average of 29.89 by 44%. This places the county in a higher-risk tier compared to most Kansas communities.
Higher-risk among Kansas counties
Miami County ranks above the state median among Kansas's 105 counties, driven primarily by elevated flood and tornado risk. Its Relatively Low rating indicates meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types statewide.
Riskiest county in cluster
Miami County's 43.07 score significantly exceeds neighboring Marshall (21.41) and Marion (37.98) counties. Its elevated flood risk (46.85) stands out as uniquely high compared to surrounding communities.
Flood and tornado dominance
Flooding emerges as the leading risk with a score of 46.85, considerably higher than most neighboring counties and reflecting local drainage challenges. Tornado exposure ranks second at 67.11, representing a secondary but substantial threat.
Flood insurance is critical
Miami County residents in flood-prone areas must purchase separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Comprehensive coverage addressing both flood and tornado risk provides essential protection for this county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Miami County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Miami County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Miami County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 43th percentile. Miami County residents can take confidence from a 43th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Miami County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (35th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 67th percentile nationally, Miami 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. The secondary flood hazard at the 47th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Miami County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Miami 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
Miami County is 13.2 composite risk points above the Kansas average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Miami County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Miami County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Miami County?
How does Miami County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Miami County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Miami 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.