Ness County Disaster Risk
Ness County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#84
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
14th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% 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 Ness County, Kansas
Ness County: among Kansas's safest
With a composite risk score of 10.53, Ness County ranks well below the Kansas state average of 29.89 and qualifies as very low risk nationally. Residents here face significantly reduced exposure to major natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.
Top tier for safety in Kansas
Ness County consistently underperforms the state average across hazard categories, securing a place among Kansas's lowest-risk counties. This exceptional protection profile reflects the county's location and local geography.
Safer than surrounding western counties
Ness County's 10.53 score beats neighboring Hodgeman and Lane Counties, both facing higher wildfire and tornado exposure on the western plains. The county's relatively contained risk profile stands out even in a comparatively safe region.
Wildfire and tornado: modest regional concerns
Wildfire risk (50.51) and tornado risk (39.44) represent Ness County's most significant natural hazards, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk is minimal at 14.28, and earthquake risk is negligible at 16.86.
Focus on wildfire and wind coverage
Even in low-risk Ness County, a comprehensive homeowner's policy should emphasize wildfire and wind damage protection given regional exposure patterns. Review your coverage annually and maintain adequate liability limits for your property value.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ness County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ness County
Risk Verdict
Ness County's overall natural disaster score at the 11th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Ness County's favorable 11th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Ness County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (17th percentile), flood (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 51th percentile nationally, Ness County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Ness County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 39th percentile nationally means Ness County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Ness County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Ness County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Ness County's composite risk score sits 19.4 points below the Kansas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Ness County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ness County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Ness County?
How does Ness County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Ness County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ness 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.