Phillips County Disaster Risk
Phillips County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
20th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% 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 18% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Phillips County, Kansas
Phillips County: slightly elevated but still low risk
Phillips County's composite risk score of 40.52 places it above Kansas's state average of 29.89 and in the Very Low national risk category. Despite this above-average rating, the county remains safer than most U.S. counties when it comes to natural disaster exposure.
Upper-middle Kansas county for disaster risk
Among Kansas counties, Phillips ranks higher than average, driven primarily by wildfire and tornado hazards scoring 58.27 and 56.52 respectively. The county sits in the top tier for non-flood, non-earthquake perils across the state.
Riskier than Rawlins, safer than Pratt
Phillips County's 40.52 composite risk sits between Rawlins County (4.83) and Pratt County (54.83), reflecting moderate exposure to the region's characteristic storm and fire hazards. Its wildfire score of 58.27 is notably higher than Rawlins's 36.77.
Wildfire and tornado threats are substantial
Wildfires emerge as the leading hazard with a risk score of 58.27, followed closely by tornadoes at 56.52—both well above the county's composite average. Flood risk is low at 20.01, and earthquake activity is minimal at 18.48.
Bundle wind, fire, and storm coverage
Phillips County homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for tornado damage and wildfire risk, with particular emphasis on roof and structural protection. Defensible space around your home—clearing brush and dead vegetation—is essential given the elevated wildfire exposure in this region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Phillips County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Phillips County
Risk Verdict
Phillips County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 41th percentile nationally is an advantage for Phillips County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Phillips County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (20th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 58th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Phillips County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary tornado exposure at the 57th percentile nationally means Phillips County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Phillips County residents.
Regional Context
At 10.6 points above the Kansas state average, Phillips County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Kansas county.
Is your household prepared for Phillips County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Phillips County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Phillips County?
How does Phillips County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Phillips County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Phillips 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.