Thomas County Disaster Risk
Thomas County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
9th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#86
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
6th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% 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 Thomas County, Kansas
Thomas County faces very low national risk
With a composite risk score of 9.45, Thomas County sits well below the national average and carries a "Very Low" rating for natural disasters. This means your county experiences fewer and less severe hazard exposures than most U.S. counties.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Thomas County's score of 9.45 ranks it far below Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it in the lower-risk tier statewide. You're in one of the more protected corners of Kansas when it comes to composite disaster risk.
Safer than nearby Wallace County
Thomas County (9.45) edges out its western neighbor Wallace County (1.18) for lowest overall risk, though both remain very low. Your risk profile is comparable to other northwest Kansas plains counties.
Tornadoes your primary weather concern
Tornado risk (36.51) is Thomas County's dominant hazard, though still moderate in absolute terms. Earthquake risk (17.46) and wildfire risk (15.39) round out your secondary concerns, each well-managed with proper preparation.
Tornado insurance protects your investment
Given tornado risk of 36.51, ensure your homeowners policy covers wind damage and consider a separate rider for additional protection. Check your policy annually and maintain a home disaster kit with battery-powered radio and first-aid supplies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Thomas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Thomas County
Risk Verdict
Thomas County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 9th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Even at the 9th percentile, Thomas County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Thomas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 37th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (15th percentile), flood (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Thomas County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 37th percentile nationally. In Thomas 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. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 17th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Thomas County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Thomas County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Thomas County households.
Regional Context
Compared to the Kansas county average, Thomas County's composite score runs 20.4 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Thomas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Thomas County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Thomas County?
How does Thomas County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Thomas County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Thomas 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.