Saline County Disaster Risk
Saline County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
59th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 91% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Saline County, Kansas
Saline County faces elevated national risk
Saline County scores 66.16 on the composite risk scale, ranking in the "Relatively Low" category but well above the national average. The county's tornado risk of 91.41 drives much of this elevation, making it a weather-vulnerable location.
Second-highest risk in Kansas
At 66.16, Saline County ranks among the highest-risk counties in Kansas, exceeded only by Sedgwick County's 96.60. This places the county in the upper tier of Kansas disaster exposure, more than double the state average of 29.89.
Saline significantly outranks regional peers
Saline County's 66.16 score far exceeds neighboring Russell County (12.53) and Rooks County (14.34), reflecting its unique exposure pattern. Only Riley County (58.46) approaches Saline's risk level in the immediate region.
Tornadoes are the dominant threat
Tornado risk reaches 91.41 in Saline County, among the highest in the nation and significantly exceeding state norms. Wildfire (82.41) and flood (58.81) risks round out a triple threat of severe weather hazards.
Prioritize tornado and severe weather coverage
Homeowners must have robust wind and tornado coverage given the county's 91.41 tornado risk, including consideration for a safe room or storm shelter. Add comprehensive flood insurance for the 58.81 flood risk and ensure hail coverage to protect against the county's multi-hazard environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Saline County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Saline County
Risk Verdict
Saline County ranks at the 66th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Saline County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (59th percentile), earthquake (34th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Saline County ranks at the 91th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Saline County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 82th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Saline County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Saline County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Kansas counties, Saline County runs 36.3 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Saline County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Saline County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Saline County?
How does Saline County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Saline County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Saline 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.