Meade County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 16th
Meade County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 15.6, 16th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Meade County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 15.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 16th 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.
Most of Meade County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 98.72 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $1M 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 — $704K in expected annual loss and about 9.91 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 4K.
Beyond physical exposure, Meade County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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: Meade County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 9 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, Meade County ranks #66 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 98.72 / yr | $4M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.01 / yr | $1M |
| Hail | Low | 9.91 / yr | $704K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.89 / yr | $795K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.47 / yr | $49K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 2.47 / yr | $544K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.68 / yr | $313K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 9.63 / yr | $19K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $26K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.90 / yr | $43K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.21 / yr | $11K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $7 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $636K |
| 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
Meade County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (9), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,Landslides,and Mudslides |
| February 2017 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| July 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| October 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| June 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Meade County?
Meade County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 15.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 16th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Meade County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $4M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $1M EAL), Hail (Low, $704K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Meade County compare to other Kansas counties?
Meade County ranks #66 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Meade County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Meade County since 1973, most often 9 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. Meade County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.