Riley County Disaster Risk
Riley County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
58th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
60th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Riley County, Kansas
Riley County's risk exceeds national average
Riley County scores 58.46 on the composite risk scale, nearly double the national median and placing it in the "Relatively Low" category. This elevation stems primarily from wildfire and tornado threats that significantly outpace typical U.S. county profiles.
Among Kansas's most hazardous counties
At 58.46, Riley County's composite risk score nearly doubles the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it among the highest-risk counties in the state. This gap reflects the county's exposure to multiple severe weather phenomena.
Riley stands out in its region
Riley County's 58.46 risk score substantially exceeds nearby Russell County (12.53) and Saline County's wildfire-tornado combination, though Saline County rivals it at 66.16. Riley's wildfire risk of 89.54 is notably higher than regional neighbors, making it a regional outlier.
Wildfires and tornadoes dominate here
Wildfire risk reaches 89.54 and tornado risk hits 84.29 in Riley County—both extreme threats that can develop rapidly across the county's terrain. Flood risk, at 59.86, presents a secondary concern during heavy precipitation events.
Prioritize wildfire and tornado coverage
Homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for wildfire damage, including ember damage and defensible space insurance, given the 89.54 wildfire risk. Add tornado/wind coverage to your policy and maintain a disaster preparedness kit, as the 84.29 tornado risk is substantial.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Riley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Riley County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 58th, Riley County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Riley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 84th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (60th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 90th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Riley 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 84th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Riley County residents.
Regional Context
At 28.6 points above the Kansas state average, Riley County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Kansas county.
Is your household prepared for Riley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Riley County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Riley County?
How does Riley County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Riley County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Riley 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.