Pratt County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 55th
Pratt County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 54.8, 55th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Pratt County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 54.8 out of 100 — placing it in the 55th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 — $3M in expected annual loss and about 55.36 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 10.90 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at High risk — $7M in expected annual loss and about 2.32 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Pratt County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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.
History supports the rating: Pratt County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 12 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, Pratt County ranks #17 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 55.36 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Medium | 10.90 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | High | 2.32 / yr | $7M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $389K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.80 / yr | $208K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.83 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 5.61 / yr | $494K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 6.79 / yr | $140K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $34K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 46.59 / yr | $50K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.09 / yr | $10 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 9.26 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Pratt County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in July 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (12), Biological (2), Severe Ice Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | 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 |
| February 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| April 2013 | Snowstorm | Snowstorm |
| June 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Pratt County?
Pratt County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 54.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 55th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Pratt County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $3M EAL), Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Cold Wave (High, $7M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Pratt County compare to other Kansas counties?
Pratt County ranks #17 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Pratt County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Pratt County since 1973, most often 12 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. Pratt County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.