Allen County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Allen County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 15.3, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and ice storm exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Allen County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 15.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 15th 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 winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $109K in expected annual loss and about 9.63 events per year; ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Low risk — $153K in expected annual loss and about 0.36 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $278K in expected annual loss and about 17.24 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 13K.
Beyond physical exposure, Allen County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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: Allen County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 8 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in July 2024.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Allen County ranks #68 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.63 / yr | $109K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.36 / yr | $153K |
| Drought | Low | 17.24 / yr | $278K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 14.53 / yr | $587K |
| Lightning | Low | 53.56 / yr | $286K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 5.18 / yr | $612K |
| Hail | Low | 6.58 / yr | $267K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.31 / yr | $868K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.63 / yr | $559K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $84K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.68 / yr | $4M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $6K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $73 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Allen County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| October 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,Landslides,and Mudslides |
| May 2019 | Severe Storm | Tornadoes and Flooding |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| December 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| July 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Allen County?
Allen County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 15.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 15th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Allen County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Low, $109K EAL), Ice Storm (Low, $153K EAL), Drought (Low, $278K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Allen County compare to other Kansas counties?
Allen County ranks #68 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Allen County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Allen County since 1969, most often 8 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in July 2024.
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. Allen County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.