Finney County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 64th
Finney County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 63.7, 64th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $24M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Finney County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 63.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 64th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Finney County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 97.84 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 10.08 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $409K in expected annual loss and about 11.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $24M in expected annual loss for a population of 38K.
Beyond physical exposure, Finney County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Finney County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 5 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 September 2024.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Finney County ranks #14 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 97.84 / yr | $5M |
| Hail | High | 10.08 / yr | $5M |
| Winter Weather | High | 11.00 / yr | $409K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.57 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 1.35 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 3.58 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.47 / yr | $170K |
| Lightning | Medium | 42.53 / yr | $312K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $38K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.43 / yr | $4M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $75K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.58 / yr | $67K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $19 |
| 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
Finney County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 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 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| December 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| July 1967 | Tornado | Tornadoes, Severe Storms & Flooding |
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 Finney County?
Finney County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 63.7 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 64th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Finney County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $5M EAL), Hail (High, $5M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $409K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Finney County compare to other Kansas counties?
Finney County ranks #14 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Finney County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Finney County since 1965, most often 5 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in September 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. Finney County's $24M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.