Reno County Disaster Risk
Reno County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Reno County, Kansas
Reno County faces the state's highest risk
Reno County's composite risk score of 80.15 far exceeds Kansas's state average of 29.89, making it the most disaster-exposed county in the state and placing it in the Relatively Low national category. The county faces significantly higher natural hazard exposure than typical U.S. regions.
Kansas's most hazardous county overall
Reno County ranks first in Kansas for composite disaster risk, with tornado (93.26), wildfire (95.55), and flood (70.93) scores that dominate the state landscape. No Kansas county exceeds Reno's combined exposure to these major perils.
Substantially riskier than all neighbors
Reno's composite score of 80.15 is nearly 26 points higher than Pratt County (54.83), the next-highest neighbor, and more than double that of Pawnee (31.62) or Rice (28.53). The county stands alone as a high-risk zone in western Kansas.
Wildfire, tornado, and flood converge
Reno faces an exceptional three-part hazard profile: wildfire at 95.55, tornado at 93.26, and flood at 70.93—the highest scores in Kansas for each. This triple threat makes Reno County one of the nation's more disaster-prone regions.
Comprehensive coverage is critical here
Reno County residents must secure full homeowners insurance including separate flood and wildfire coverage, along with a reinforced storm shelter or safe room. Implement aggressive defensible space management around your property and ensure your roof, siding, and foundation can withstand high winds and flooding.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Reno County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Reno County
Risk Verdict
Reno County ranks at the 80th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Reno County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 93th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (71th percentile), earthquake (40th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Reno County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Reno County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 93th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Reno 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
Compared to other Kansas counties, Reno County runs 50.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Reno County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Reno County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Reno County?
How does Reno County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Reno County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Reno 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.