Sheridan County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 6th
Sheridan County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 6.1, 6th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sheridan County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 6.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 6th 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 hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 8.52 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 69.56 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Low risk — $679K in expected annual loss and about 4.46 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sheridan County has a very low 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: Sheridan County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 10 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, Sheridan County ranks #94 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 8.52 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 69.56 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.46 / yr | $679K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 12.42 / yr | $46K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $323K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $12K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.42 / yr | $177K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.16 / yr | $30K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $15 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 43.96 / yr | $29K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $615K |
| 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
Sheridan County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in July 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| May 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires |
| 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 |
| February 2017 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| August 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| July 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Sheridan County?
Sheridan County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 6.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 6th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sheridan County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Strong Wind (Low, $679K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sheridan County compare to other Kansas counties?
Sheridan County ranks #94 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sheridan County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Sheridan County since 1993, most often 10 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. Sheridan County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.