Osborne County Disaster Risk
Osborne County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
18th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Osborne County, Kansas
Osborne County: low risk below state average
Osborne County's composite risk score of 21.44 falls below Kansas's state average of 29.89, earning a very low risk rating nationally. This county offers residents substantially reduced exposure to major natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.
Below-average risk for Kansas
Osborne County ranks in the safer half of Kansas counties for natural disaster exposure, scoring roughly 28% below the state average. Its solid safety profile reflects relatively contained hazard risk across most categories.
Comparable to Mitchell and Lincoln
Osborne County's 21.44 score aligns closely with neighboring Mitchell and Lincoln Counties, all facing similar central Kansas hazard profiles. The county's risk level reflects typical exposure for this region.
Wildfire emerges as primary concern
Wildfire risk (52.07) represents Osborne County's most significant natural hazard, though tornado risk (33.33) also merits attention. Flood risk is relatively low at 18.48, and earthquake risk (13.45) poses minimal threat.
Emphasize wildfire and wind coverage
Osborne County homeowners should prioritize comprehensive wildfire and wind damage protection through their standard homeowner's policy. Maintain defensible space around your property and review coverage annually to ensure adequate limits for your home's replacement value.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Osborne County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Osborne County
Risk Verdict
At the 21th percentile nationally, Osborne County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Osborne County residents can take confidence from a 21th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Osborne County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (18th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Osborne County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 52th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Osborne County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 33th percentile nationally means Osborne County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Osborne County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 8.4 points below the Kansas state average puts Osborne County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Osborne County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Osborne County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Osborne County?
How does Osborne County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Osborne County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Osborne 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.