Russell County Disaster Risk
Russell County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
13th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#79
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Russell County, Kansas
Russell County maintains low national risk
Russell County scores 12.53 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Very Low" category well below the national average. This favorable standing reflects managed exposure to the state's common hazards.
Well below Kansas average risk
Russell County's 12.53 score is less than half the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it among the state's safest counties. This advantage provides residents with notably lower disaster risk compared to most state peers.
Similar safety to nearby Rush County
Russell County's 12.53 score closely mirrors Rush County (4.96) and Rooks County (14.34) to create a relatively safe central Kansas corridor. All three counties offer below-average risk compared to state metrics.
Wildfire and tornado manageable threats
Wildfire risk of 58.91 and tornado risk of 45.96 represent Russell County's primary hazards, though both remain below state maximums. Flood risk at 9.92 is minimal, contributing to the county's overall low composite score.
Standard coverage with wildfire consideration
Homeowners should maintain standard wind, hail, and tornado coverage as baseline protection in Russell County. Adding a wildfire rider to homeowner's insurance provides additional peace of mind given the 58.91 wildfire risk, though overall exposure remains manageable.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Russell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Russell County
Risk Verdict
Russell County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 13th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 13th percentile nationally is an advantage for Russell County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Russell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (11th percentile), flood (10th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Russell County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 59th percentile nationally. Russell County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's tornado exposure at the 46th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Russell County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Kansas county average exceeds Russell County's score by 17.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Russell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Russell County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Russell County?
How does Russell County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Russell County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Russell 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.