Pottawatomie County Disaster Risk
Pottawatomie County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#43
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
34th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% 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 21% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pottawatomie County, Kansas
Pottawatomie sits at very low national risk
With a composite risk score of 30.88, Pottawatomie County ranks just slightly above Kansas's state average of 29.89 and earns a Very Low national risk rating. The county's overall disaster exposure remains lower than the typical U.S. county.
Middle-of-road Kansas county for hazards
Pottawatomie ranks near the state average among Kansas counties, with wildfire risk driving much of its exposure at a notable 90.74. This wildfire score significantly outpaces the county's other hazard exposures, making vegetation management a critical local concern.
Wildfire threat stands out in the region
Pottawatomie's composite risk of 30.88 is nearly identical to nearby Pawnee County (31.62), but its wildfire score of 90.74 is substantially higher than both Pawnee's (55.12) and Rawlins's (36.77). This reflects unique local wildfire vulnerability in the county.
Wildfire dominates; tornado threat is real
Wildfire risk is exceptional at 90.74, making it the county's dominant hazard concern and well above state norms. Tornado exposure is also notable at 57.47, while flood risk remains moderate at 33.97.
Wildfire preparedness is essential here
Pottawatomie residents must prioritize wildfire insurance coverage and invest in defensible space—removing trees and brush within 100 feet of structures. Ensure your policy includes coverage for wind damage from tornadoes and review your roof and siding materials for fire resistance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pottawatomie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pottawatomie County
Risk Verdict
Pottawatomie County's overall natural disaster score at the 31th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 31th percentile nationally, Pottawatomie County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pottawatomie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (34th percentile), earthquake (21th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 91th percentile nationally, Pottawatomie 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 Pottawatomie County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 57th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Pottawatomie County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Pottawatomie County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Pottawatomie County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Kansas county average, with a 1.0-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Pottawatomie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pottawatomie County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Pottawatomie County?
How does Pottawatomie County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Pottawatomie County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pottawatomie 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.