Kiowa County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 15th
Kiowa County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 15.0, 15th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Kiowa County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 15.0 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 High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 69.28 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $554K in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $485K in expected annual loss and about 10.65 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Kiowa County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Kiowa County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 13 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, Kiowa County ranks #72 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 69.28 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $554K |
| Hail | Low | 10.65 / yr | $485K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.42 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.59 / yr | $46K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.77 / yr | $585K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.89 / yr | $270K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 10.00 / yr | $12K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.37 / yr | $30K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $13K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $687K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $5 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 45.68 / yr | $12K |
| 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
Kiowa County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in July 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (13), Biological (2), Severe Ice Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| May 2022 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| October 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| February 2017 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| October 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| May 2012 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| June 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Kiowa County?
Kiowa County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 15.0 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 Kiowa County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $554K EAL), Hail (Low, $485K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Kiowa County compare to other Kansas counties?
Kiowa County ranks #72 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Kiowa County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Kiowa County since 1973, most often 13 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. Kiowa County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.