Grant County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 14th
Grant County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 13.5, 14th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Grant County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 13.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 14th 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 High risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 121.39 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $970K in expected annual loss and about 8.40 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $67K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 7K.
Beyond physical exposure, Grant County has a very 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 federal record bears this out: Grant County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight Line Winds (severe storm), declared in February 2022.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Grant County ranks #77 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 121.39 / yr | $4M |
| Hail | Medium | 8.40 / yr | $970K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $67K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.05 / yr | $79K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.74 / yr | $921K |
| Lightning | Low | 41.96 / yr | $187K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.34 / yr | $45K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.49 / yr | $686K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.84 / yr | $259K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $24K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $3K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $679K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $1 |
| 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
Grant County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms and Straight Line Winds in February 2022. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| 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 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow |
| December 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 1965 | Flood | Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Grant County?
Grant County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 13.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 14th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Grant County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $4M EAL), Hail (Medium, $970K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $67K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Grant County compare to other Kansas counties?
Grant County ranks #77 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Grant County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Grant County since 1965, most often 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological 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. Grant County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.