Stanton County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 10th
Stanton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 9.6, 10th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Stanton County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 9.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 10th 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.
Most of Stanton County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 124.98 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $357K in expected annual loss and about 7.06 events per year; and lightning (electrical discharges from storms that ignite fires and cause casualties) at Low risk — $148K in expected annual loss and about 43.41 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Stanton County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Stanton County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 6 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 September 2025.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Stanton County ranks #85 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | High | 124.98 / yr | $3M |
| Hail | Low | 7.06 / yr | $357K |
| Lightning | Low | 43.41 / yr | $148K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 9.63 / yr | $26K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 2.53 / yr | $164K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.53 / yr | $163K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.22 / yr | $8K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 3.08 / yr | $60K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $1K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $260K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $0 |
| 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
Stanton County has received 11 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| July 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| June 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow |
| December 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 11 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Stanton County?
Stanton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 9.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 10th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Stanton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (High, $3M EAL), Hail (Low, $357K EAL), Lightning (Low, $148K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Stanton County compare to other Kansas counties?
Stanton County ranks #85 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Stanton County had?
FEMA records 11 federal disaster declarations for Stanton County since 1965, most often 6 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in September 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. Stanton County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.