Rooks County Disaster Risk
Rooks County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
14th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#75
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
5th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Rooks County, Kansas
Rooks County well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 14.34, Rooks County ranks in the "Very Low" category and sits well below the national average. This favorable profile reflects relatively modest exposure to major natural hazards.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Rooks County's 14.34 score is less than half the Kansas state average of 29.89, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the state. This safety advantage makes it a relatively secure location for property and life.
Safest in its immediate region
Rooks County's 14.34 risk score is lower than nearby Russell County (12.53) and significantly lower than Riley County (58.46) to the east. Among central Kansas neighbors, Rooks offers one of the most stable natural disaster profiles.
Wildfire presents modest concern
Wildfire is the primary hazard in Rooks County at 50.48, though still below the state average for this hazard type. Tornado and flood risks remain minimal at 37.02 and 5.18 respectively, creating an overall low-threat environment.
Standard coverage meets local needs
Basic homeowner's insurance with standard wind and hail coverage is appropriate for Rooks County's low overall risk profile. Consider a modest wildfire rider to protect against the county's primary hazard, though catastrophic risk remains minimal.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Rooks County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Rooks County
Risk Verdict
Rooks County's overall natural disaster score at the 14th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Rooks County can use the 14th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Rooks County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (10th percentile), flood (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 50th percentile nationally, Rooks 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 Rooks County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 37th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Rooks County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Rooks County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Rooks County's composite risk score sits 15.5 points below the Kansas county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Rooks County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Rooks County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Rooks County?
How does Rooks County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Rooks County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Rooks 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.