Neosho County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 33th
Neosho County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 32.5, 33th national percentile), driven primarily by ice storm and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $12M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Neosho County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 32.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 33rd 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 ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at Medium risk — $266K in expected annual loss and about 0.57 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $595K in expected annual loss and about 23.27 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $132K in expected annual loss and about 8.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $12M in expected annual loss for a population of 16K.
Beyond physical exposure, Neosho County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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: Neosho County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1969, 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 2024.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Neosho County ranks #40 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.57 / yr | $266K |
| Drought | Medium | 23.27 / yr | $595K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 8.89 / yr | $132K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.38 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Low | 15.63 / yr | $632K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.26 / yr | $793K |
| Hail | Low | 6.66 / yr | $289K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.37 / yr | $931K |
| Lightning | Low | 53.79 / yr | $210K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $185K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.43 / yr | $6M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $225 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $10K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Neosho County has received 21 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in July 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (13), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| May 2019 | Severe Storm | Tornadoes and Flooding |
| February 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| June 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
Showing the 10 most recent of 21 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Neosho County?
Neosho County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 32.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 33th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Neosho County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Ice Storm (Medium, $266K EAL), Drought (Medium, $595K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $132K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Neosho County compare to other Kansas counties?
Neosho County ranks #40 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Neosho County had?
FEMA records 21 federal disaster declarations for Neosho County since 1969, 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 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. Neosho County's $12M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.