Graham County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 4th
Graham County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 4.3, 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
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Graham County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 4.3 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 — $742K in expected annual loss and about 73.44 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $553K in expected annual loss and about 8.39 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $38K in expected annual loss and about 11.63 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Graham 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.
The federal record bears this out: Graham County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 10 for severe storm events and 2 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires (severe storm), declared in May 2025.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Graham County ranks #100 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 73.44 / yr | $742K |
| Hail | Low | 8.39 / yr | $553K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.63 / yr | $38K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $17K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.46 / yr | $251K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.84 / yr | $340K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.34 / yr | $22K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.95 / yr | $35K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.00 / yr | $149K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.35 / yr | $27K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $14 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.68 / yr | $634K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Graham County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires in May 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Snowstorm (2), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires |
| May 2022 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| February 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight Line Winds |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| October 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Graham County?
Graham County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 4.3 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 Graham County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $742K EAL), Hail (Low, $553K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $38K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Graham County compare to other Kansas counties?
Graham County ranks #100 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Graham County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Graham County since 1993, most often 10 for severe storm events and 2 for snowstorm events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires, declared in May 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. Graham County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.