Sheridan County Disaster Risk
Sheridan County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#94
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
2th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sheridan County, Kansas
Sheridan enjoys minimal national risk exposure
At 6.14, Sheridan County's composite risk score ranks among America's safest regions—far below both the national average and Kansas's state mean of 29.89. Residents here face substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.
Second-safest county in Kansas
Sheridan County ranks among the very lowest-risk areas statewide, with only a handful of Kansas counties scoring lower than its 6.14 composite score. This places it in the top tier of safety within the state.
Consistent safety across the region
Neighboring counties like Gove and Logan maintain similarly low risk profiles, creating a relatively stable hazard zone across northwest Kansas. Sheridan's low score reflects the broader safety pattern of this sparsely populated region.
Wildfire presents modest risk here
Wildfire risk reaches 15.71—Sheridan's highest hazard exposure—but remains well below concerning thresholds. Tornado and flood risks stay minimal, with scores of 18.26 and 2.16 respectively.
Standard coverage handles most exposure
Sheridan's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. However, those in fire-prone areas should confirm brush and structure fire coverage remains current.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sheridan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sheridan County
Risk Verdict
Sheridan County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 6th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Sheridan County's 6th 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
Tornado risk is Sheridan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 18th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 16th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (4th percentile), flood (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Sheridan County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 18th percentile nationally. In Sheridan County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 16th percentile nationally means Sheridan County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Sheridan County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Sheridan County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Kansas county average, Sheridan County's composite score runs 23.7 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Sheridan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sheridan County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Sheridan County?
How does Sheridan County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Sheridan County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Sheridan 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.