Smith County Disaster Risk
Smith County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
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
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Smith County, Kansas
Smith stays well below national risk levels
Smith County's composite risk score of 21.21 sits comfortably below the national average and Kansas's mean of 29.89, earning a very low risk rating. Most residents here face minimal natural disaster exposure relative to the broader U.S.
Among Kansas's lower-risk counties
At 21.21, Smith County ranks in the safer half of Kansas counties, though not in the absolute bottom tier. The county's north-central location provides moderate protection from extreme natural hazards.
Risk levels align with surrounding counties
Adjacent counties like Osborne and Mitchell carry similar low-to-moderate risk scores, creating a relatively uniform hazard landscape. Smith fits comfortably within this broader regional safety pattern.
Wildfire and tornado pose modest threats
Wildfire risk reaches 40.90 and tornado risk 39.25—the county's two highest hazards, but both remain well below severe thresholds. Flood and earthquake risks stay minimal by comparison.
Standard coverage handles Smith's risks
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most Smith County residents given the county's modest overall exposure. Verify that wind and hail coverage remains active, particularly during spring tornado season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Smith County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Smith County
Risk Verdict
At the 21th percentile nationally, Smith County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Residents of Smith County can use the 21th 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 Smith County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (13th percentile), flood (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Smith County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Smith County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 39th percentile nationally means Smith County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Smith County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 8.7 points below the Kansas state average puts Smith County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Smith County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Smith County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Smith County?
How does Smith County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Smith County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Smith 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.