Morton County Disaster Risk
Morton County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#99
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
1th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Morton County, Kansas
Morton County's disaster risk: well below average
With a composite risk score of 4.68, Morton County ranks as very low risk nationally and sits far below Kansas's state average of 29.89. This county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties, giving residents substantially better odds of avoiding major natural hazards.
Safest county in Kansas
Morton County has the lowest composite risk score of any Kansas county, significantly outpacing state averages across multiple hazard types. This exceptional safety profile makes it one of the most protected counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Morton County stands apart from neighbors
At 4.68, Morton County's risk score dramatically undercuts neighbors like Stanton County and Texas County, which face higher wildfire and tornado exposure. This county's western plains location and lower population density contribute to its exceptionally low disaster vulnerability.
Wildfire and tornado: your main concerns
Wildfire risk (73.06) and tornado risk (20.07) represent Morton County's most significant natural hazards, though both remain below national averages. Flood risk is minimal at 0.92, and earthquake risk is modest at 16.98, leaving wildfire preparedness as your strongest planning priority.
Prioritize wildfire and wind insurance
Even in low-risk Morton County, wildfire insurance and comprehensive wind coverage should anchor your homeowner's policy given the county's elevated wildfire score. Review your coverage annually and maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Morton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Morton County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Morton County ranks at the 5th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 5th percentile nationally, Morton County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Morton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 20th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (17th percentile), flood (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Morton County sits at the 73th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Morton County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. A secondary tornado exposure at the 20th percentile nationally means Morton County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Morton County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 25.2 points below the Kansas state average, Morton County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Morton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Morton County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Morton County?
How does Morton County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Morton County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Morton 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.