Smith County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 21th
Smith County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 21.2, 21th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $8M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Smith County is very low, with a National Risk Index score of 21.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 21st 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 High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 7.67 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 47.87 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.50 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $8M in expected annual loss for a population of 4K.
Beyond physical exposure, Smith County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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: Smith County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 11 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, Smith County ranks #53 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 7.67 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 47.87 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.50 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.64 / yr | $213K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 11.95 / yr | $69K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $30K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.88 / yr | $899K |
| Lightning | Low | 45.25 / yr | $139K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 7.21 / yr | $81K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 3.32 / yr | $172K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $50 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $1M |
| 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
Smith County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Wildfires in May 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (11), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,Landslides,and Mudslides |
| April 2013 | Snowstorm | Snowstorm |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| July 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
| February 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
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 Smith County?
Smith County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 21.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 21th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Smith County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $3M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Smith County compare to other Kansas counties?
Smith County ranks #53 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Smith County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Smith County since 1993, most often 11 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. Smith County's $8M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.