Neosho County Disaster Risk
Neosho County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
40th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Neosho County, Kansas
Neosho County: slightly above-average risk
Neosho County's composite risk score of 32.51 places it slightly above Kansas's state average of 29.89, though it still maintains a very low risk rating nationally. This county faces more natural disaster exposure than most Kansas peers, driven primarily by tornado and flood vulnerabilities.
Middle of the pack in Kansas risk
Neosho County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Kansas counties for disaster risk, exceeding the state average on multiple hazard fronts. Its tornado risk (64.57) and flood risk (39.89) push the county above statewide norms, reflecting its location in eastern Kansas.
Comparable risk to Crawford and Linn
Neosho County's 32.51 score aligns closely with neighboring Crawford and Linn Counties, all facing elevated tornado and flood risks typical of eastern Kansas. The county's slightly higher composite score reflects its position in a regionally vulnerable zone.
Tornado and flood dominate the risk profile
Tornado risk (64.57) is Neosho County's most pressing hazard, followed by flood risk (39.89) and earthquake risk (41.00), reflecting the county's eastern Kansas location near water systems. Wildfire risk is comparatively low at 21.06, though hurricane risk (24.32) adds seasonal vulnerability.
Bundle flood and tornado protection
Neosho County residents should maintain comprehensive coverage for tornado damage and separate flood insurance, as standard homeowner's policies exclude both perils. Review your coverage before severe weather season and ensure your family has a tornado safety plan.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Neosho County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Neosho County
Risk Verdict
Neosho County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 33th percentile nationally. Even at the 33th percentile, Neosho County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Neosho County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (40th percentile), hurricane (24th percentile), wildfire (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 65th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Neosho County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 41th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Neosho County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Neosho County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
Neosho County tracks the Kansas county average closely, sitting 2.6 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Kansas.
Is your household prepared for Neosho County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Neosho County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Neosho County?
How does Neosho County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Neosho County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Neosho 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.