Brown County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Brown County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 15.3, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Brown 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 drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $759K in expected annual loss and about 15.28 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $226K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $457K in expected annual loss and about 7.91 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 10K.
Beyond physical exposure, Brown County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Brown County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 12 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight Line Winds (severe storm), declared in February 2022.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Brown County ranks #69 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 15.28 / yr | $759K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $226K |
| Hail | Low | 7.91 / yr | $457K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 11.32 / yr | $588K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.44 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.84 / yr | $121K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $970 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 5.41 / yr | $311K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.37 / yr | $30K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $40K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 49.11 / yr | $85K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 3.79 / yr | $284K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.86 / yr | $3M |
| 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
Brown County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms and Straight Line Winds in February 2022. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (12), Flood (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight Line Winds |
| 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 |
| July 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| July 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
| February 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| December 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
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 Brown County?
Brown 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 Brown County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $759K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $226K EAL), Hail (Low, $457K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Brown County compare to other Kansas counties?
Brown County ranks #69 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Brown County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Brown County since 1973, most often 12 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight Line Winds, declared in February 2022.
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. Brown County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.