Morris County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 27th
Morris County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 27.4, 27th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and heat wave exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Morris County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 27.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 27th 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $475K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; heat wave (prolonged periods of extreme heat that threaten health and infrastructure) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 13.42 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $231K in expected annual loss and about 0.91 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Morris County has a high 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). Higher vulnerability is partly offset by strong community resilience and recovery capacity.
The federal record bears this out: Morris County has received 27 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 20 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 June 2026.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Morris County ranks #46 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $475K |
| Heat Wave | Medium | 13.42 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.91 / yr | $231K |
| Hail | Medium | 8.61 / yr | $481K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 11.74 / yr | $75K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.55 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $1K |
| Drought | Low | 27.89 / yr | $100K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 6.20 / yr | $396K |
| Lightning | Low | 50.25 / yr | $128K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.37 / yr | $198K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $16K |
| 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
Morris County has received 27 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2026. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (20), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| December 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| September 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2024 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 27 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Morris County?
Morris County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 27.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 27th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Morris County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $475K EAL), Heat Wave (Medium, $1M EAL), Ice Storm (Medium, $231K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Morris County compare to other Kansas counties?
Morris County ranks #46 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Morris County had?
FEMA records 27 federal disaster declarations for Morris County since 1969, most often 20 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in June 2026.
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. Morris County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.