Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
16th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
19th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Kansas
Washington County sits well below average
With a composite risk score of 15.62, Washington County remains substantially lower than the national average and holds a "Very Low" rating. Your county's exposure to natural disasters is limited compared to most U.S. regions.
Safer than most Kansas counties
At 15.62, Washington County scores well below Kansas's state average of 29.89, placing it in the safer half statewide. Your location in north-central Kansas provides moderate protection against major hazards.
Higher tornado risk than plains neighbors
Washington County (15.62) faces notably higher tornado risk (41.19) than western Kansas counties like Wallace (1.18) or Thomas (9.45). Your proximity to central Kansas's storm corridor increases spring severe weather potential.
Tornadoes and wildfire your main concerns
Tornado risk (41.19) is Washington County's dominant hazard, with wildfire risk (77.89) a significant secondary threat. Flood risk (18.92) and earthquake risk (16.48) present tertiary concerns.
Strengthen your tornado safety plan
Identify a safe room in your home's interior on the lowest floor and stock it with emergency supplies and a battery-powered radio. Verify your homeowners policy covers high winds and hail, and consider reinforcing garage doors.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Washington County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 16th percentile. Washington County residents can take confidence from a 16th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (19th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 78th percentile nationally for wildfire, Washington 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 41th percentile nationally means Washington County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. 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 Washington County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Washington County is 14.3 composite risk points below the Kansas state mean, meaning most other Kansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Washington County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Washington 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.