riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Stanton County Disaster Risk

Stanton County, Kansas

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

10th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#85

of 105 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

1th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 1% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 16% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Stanton County, Kansas

Stanton ranks among America's safest counties

At 9.64, Stanton County's composite risk score places it among the nation's lowest natural disaster exposures—far below the national average and nearly 20 points beneath Kansas's mean of 29.89. Residents enjoy exceptional protection from major hazards.

Third-safest county in Kansas

Stanton County's 9.64 score ranks it among the very safest areas in Kansas, with only a tiny handful of counties scoring lower. This remote western location provides remarkable insulation from natural disaster risk.

Among the safest in the region

Neighboring Sheridan and Grant counties share Stanton's exceptionally low risk profile, creating a pocket of remarkable safety across southwest Kansas. Stanton fits squarely within this region's minimal-hazard pattern.

Wildfire presents Stanton's only modest concern

Wildfire risk reaches just 30.44—Stanton's highest hazard but still well below problematic levels. Tornado and flood risks remain minimal at 16.22 and 1.24 respectively.

Basic homeowners coverage provides ample protection

Stanton's exceptional low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically suffices for most residents. Annual policy reviews ensure continued adequate coverage as needs change.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Stanton County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    30th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    16th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    9th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Stanton County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Stanton County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 10th percentile. Being ranked at the 10th percentile nationally is an advantage for Stanton County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Stanton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 30th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 16th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (9th percentile), flood (1th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 30th percentile nationally for wildfire, Stanton County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 16th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Stanton County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.

Regional Context

Stanton County is 20.2 composite risk points below the Kansas state mean, meaning most other Kansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Stanton County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Stanton County, KS?
Stanton County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 10th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Stanton County?
Stanton County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (30th percentile), tornado (16th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile), flooding (1th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 30th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Stanton County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Stanton County's composite risk percentile is 10th, compared to the Kansas state average of 30th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Stanton County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kansas.
Is Stanton County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Stanton County's wildfire risk is at the 30th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Stanton County is at the 1th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Stanton County a safe place to live?
Stanton County's composite risk score of 10th percentile is below the Kansas state average of 30th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 30th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Thomas County

Kansas

-0.2

Very Low

9th percentile

Chase County

Kansas

-0.3

Very Low

9th percentile

Ness County

Kansas

+0.9

Very Low

11th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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