Morton County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 5th
Morton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 4.7, 5th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Morton County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 4.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 5th 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 142.16 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $293K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $201K in expected annual loss and about 6.42 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Morton 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: Morton County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 2005, 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, Morton County ranks #99 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 142.16 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $293K |
| Hail | Low | 6.42 / yr | $201K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.05 / yr | $39K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 42.87 / yr | $96K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $316K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.28 / yr | $18K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $29K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.37 / yr | $187K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 2.75 / yr | $88K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $1K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $1 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $293K |
| 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
Morton County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 2005, 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 |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| December 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Morton County?
Morton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 4.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 5th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Morton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $293K EAL), Hail (Low, $201K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Morton County compare to other Kansas counties?
Morton County ranks #99 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Morton County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Morton County since 2005, 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. Morton County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.