Kiowa County, Colorado Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · CO
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 4th
Kiowa County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 3.8, 4th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Kiowa County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 3.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 4th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 117.78 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $401K in expected annual loss and about 5.43 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $62K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 1K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kiowa County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Kiowa County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 2 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes (flood), declared in August 2023.
Among 64 Colorado counties, Kiowa County ranks #62 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 117.78 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 5.43 / yr | $401K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $62K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.92 / yr | $210K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 7.00 / yr | $19K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.10 / yr | $205K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 1.46 / yr | $182K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $17K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 45.63 / yr | $36K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $844K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.02 / yr | $2K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $1K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $1 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Kiowa County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes in August 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (2), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2023 | Flood | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| January 2007 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2002 | Fire | Wildfires |
| May 2001 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| May 1999 | Severe Storm | Co-Flooding 4/30/99 |
| August 1997 | Flood | Severe Storms, Heavy Rain, Flash Floods, Flooding, Mudslides |
| January 1977 | Drought | Drought |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kiowa County?
Kiowa County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 3.8 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 4th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Kiowa County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Hail (Low, $401K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $62K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kiowa County compare to other Colorado counties?
Kiowa County ranks #62 of 64 Colorado counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kiowa County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Kiowa County since 1965, most often 2 for flood events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes, declared in August 2023.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Kiowa County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.