Osage County Disaster Risk
Osage County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
35th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#37
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
30th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Osage County, Kansas
Osage County: above-average Kansas risk
Osage County's composite risk score of 35.43 exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, marking it as one of the state's higher-risk counties despite a very low national rating. This county faces elevated exposure to several natural hazard types, particularly tornadoes and wildfires.
Among Kansas's riskier counties
Osage County ranks in the upper tier of Kansas counties for natural disaster risk, surpassing the state average on multiple hazard fronts. Its location in eastern Kansas contributes to heightened tornado and wildfire vulnerability statewide.
Elevated risk compared to Lyon and Morris
Osage County's 35.43 score exceeds neighboring Lyon and Morris Counties, reflecting higher tornado and wildfire exposure in this east-central region. The county faces notably elevated risk relative to its immediate western neighbors.
Wildfire and tornado lead hazards
Wildfire risk (74.94) and tornado risk (57.03) dominate Osage County's natural disaster profile, both significantly above state averages. Flood risk (30.22) and earthquake risk (27.16) add secondary vulnerabilities, though wildfire preparedness should be the primary planning focus.
Secure robust wildfire and tornado coverage
Osage County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowner's insurance emphasizing wildfire and tornado protection, with special attention to policy limits and deductibles. Create and maintain defensible space around your home, and develop a family disaster plan before severe weather season arrives.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Osage County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Osage County
Risk Verdict
Osage County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 35th percentile nationally. Osage County's 35th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Osage County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (30th percentile), earthquake (27th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Osage County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 75th percentile nationally. Osage County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 57th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Osage County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Osage County's composite risk score sits 5.5 points above the Kansas county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Osage County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Osage County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Osage County?
How does Osage County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Osage County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Osage 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.