Sherman County Disaster Risk
Sherman County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#83
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Sherman County, Kansas
Sherman ranks among America's safest counties
With a composite risk score of 11.16, Sherman County sits well below both national and Kansas averages (29.89), placing it firmly in the very low risk category. This western Kansas county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to the broader U.S.
Near the safest in Kansas
Sherman County's 11.16 score places it among Kansas's lowest-risk counties, with only a small cluster of peers sharing similarly minimal hazard exposure. The county's remote western location contributes to this safety advantage.
Consistent safety across the High Plains
Surrounding counties like Gove and Wallace maintain comparable low-risk profiles, reflecting the High Plains's general insulation from major natural hazards. Sherman's score fits the region's pattern of minimal disaster exposure.
Tornado and wildfire are modest concerns
Tornado risk peaks at 32.57 and wildfire at 28.09—moderate scores that outpace other hazards but remain well below critical thresholds. Flooding and earthquakes present minimal risk here.
Basic homeowners insurance suffices
Sherman's low overall risk means standard homeowners coverage typically protects adequately against the county's modest exposures. An annual policy review ensures wind and hail coverage remains in place for tornado season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Sherman County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Sherman County
Risk Verdict
Sherman County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 11th percentile nationally. Sherman County residents can take confidence from a 11th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Sherman County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 33th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 28th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (17th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Sherman County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 33th percentile nationally. For Sherman County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 28th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Sherman County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Sherman County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
The Kansas county average exceeds Sherman County's score by 18.7 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Sherman County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Sherman County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Sherman County?
How does Sherman County risk compare to the Kansas average?
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Is Sherman 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.