Rice County Disaster Risk
Rice County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
29th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#45
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% 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 Rice County, Kansas
Rice County sits just below state average
Rice County's composite risk score of 28.53 falls just below Kansas's state average of 29.89, earning a Very Low national risk rating. The county's overall disaster exposure remains low compared to most U.S. counties.
Middle-low risk among Kansas counties
Rice ranks slightly below the state average, driven primarily by tornado exposure at 62.75 and wildfire exposure at 76.84. These two hazards exceed state norms, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal.
Safer than Pratt, riskier than Rawlins
Rice's composite score of 28.53 sits between Rawlins County (4.83) and Pratt County (54.83), and is nearly identical to nearby Pawnee (31.62). The county occupies a middle-ground position within its regional peer group.
Tornado and wildfire are the main concerns
Wildfire dominates at 76.84 and tornado risk is substantial at 62.75—both above the county's composite average. Flood exposure is moderate at 22.17, and earthquake risk is negligible at 20.77.
Prioritize storm and fire coverage
Rice County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes robust tornado and wildfire protection, with attention to roof and structural coverage. Maintain defensible space around your property and review your emergency shelter options as tornado preparedness is essential in this region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rice County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rice County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Rice County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 29th percentile. Rice County's 29th 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 Rice County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (22th percentile), earthquake (21th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 77th percentile nationally for wildfire, Rice County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. A secondary tornado exposure at the 63th percentile nationally means Rice County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Rice County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Rice County's composite risk score is within 1.4 points of the Kansas county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Rice County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rice County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Rice County?
How does Rice County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Rice County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Rice 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.