Sherman County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 11th
Sherman County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 11.2, 11th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $6M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Sherman County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 11.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 11th 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 — $1M in expected annual loss and about 8.25 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 4.22 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $149K in expected annual loss and about 14.16 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $6M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sherman County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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.
History supports the rating: Sherman County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 2005, including 5 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires (severe storm), declared in May 2025.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Sherman County ranks #83 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 8.25 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.22 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 14.16 / yr | $149K |
| Drought | Low | 67.60 / yr | $300K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 5.68 / yr | $604K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.98 / yr | $717K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.75 / yr | $73K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $15K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $27K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.29 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.21 / yr | $4K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $5 |
| 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
Sherman County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 2005, most recently Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires in May 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires |
| 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 |
| January 2006 | 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 Sherman County?
Sherman County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 11.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 11th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sherman County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $149K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sherman County compare to other Kansas counties?
Sherman County ranks #83 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sherman County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Sherman County since 2005, most often 5 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires, declared in May 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. Sherman County's $6M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.