Mitchell County Disaster Risk
Mitchell County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
21th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% 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 Mitchell County, Kansas
Mitchell County at state average
Mitchell County scores 29.83 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting essentially at Kansas's state average of 29.89. This places the county in the middle of the risk spectrum nationally.
Right at the state median
Mitchell County ranks near the center of Kansas's 105 counties for overall disaster risk, representing an average exposure profile statewide. Its Very Low rating indicates balanced, moderate hazard exposure across multiple threat types.
Moderate risk among peers
Mitchell County's 29.83 score places it above Marshall County (21.41) and Marshall's profile but below Marion (37.98) and McPherson (39.22). The county sits in a middle position within its regional cluster.
Wildfire the notable hazard
Wildfire risk ranks highest at 33.30, though this remains below statewide wildfire averages and other region threats. Tornado exposure follows at 40.14, representing a secondary but present risk.
Standard comprehensive coverage sufficient
Mitchell County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with adequate wind and hail coverage for tornado protection. Adding wildfire riders or endorsements ensures comprehensive protection across the county's primary hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mitchell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mitchell County
Risk Verdict
Mitchell County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 30th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Residents of Mitchell County can use the 30th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Mitchell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (21th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Mitchell County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 40th percentile nationally. In Mitchell County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Mitchell County at the 33th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Mitchell County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Mitchell County households.
Regional Context
At 0.1 points from the Kansas county mean, Mitchell County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Mitchell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mitchell County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Mitchell County?
How does Mitchell County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Mitchell County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Mitchell 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.