Bourbon County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 36th
Bourbon County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 35.7, 36th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Bourbon County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 35.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 36th 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.
Risk here concentrates in hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 6.56 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $684K in expected annual loss and about 13.89 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $255K in expected annual loss and about 0.54 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 14K.
Beyond physical exposure, Bourbon County has a medium 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.
History supports the rating: Bourbon County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 11 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 2025.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Bourbon County ranks #35 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 6.56 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 13.89 / yr | $684K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.54 / yr | $255K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 10.68 / yr | $130K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 16.11 / yr | $623K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.03 / yr | $657K |
| Lightning | Low | 54.58 / yr | $192K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.26 / yr | $750K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $31K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $805 |
| Tornado | Low | 0.39 / yr | $906K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $163K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 2.43 / yr | $4M |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $8K |
| 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
Bourbon County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in July 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (11), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2024 | 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 |
| October 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| September 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| July 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Bourbon County?
Bourbon County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 35.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 36th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Bourbon County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $684K EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $255K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Bourbon County compare to other Kansas counties?
Bourbon County ranks #35 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Bourbon County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Bourbon County since 1969, most often 11 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in July 2025.
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. Bourbon County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.