Thomas County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 9th
Thomas County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 9.4, 9th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Thomas County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 9.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 9th 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.
Risk here concentrates in hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 8.62 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 82.25 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $176K in expected annual loss and about 13.37 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Thomas County has a very 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.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Thomas County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 7 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 2024.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Thomas County ranks #87 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 8.62 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 82.25 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 13.37 / yr | $176K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.97 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 5.26 / yr | $495K |
| Lightning | Low | 44.77 / yr | $126K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 4.71 / yr | $339K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $30K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $33K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $8K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.79 / yr | $41K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.86 / yr | $1M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $7 |
| 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
Thomas County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| October 2023 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2017 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 12 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Thomas County?
Thomas County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 9.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 9th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Thomas County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $176K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Thomas County compare to other Kansas counties?
Thomas County ranks #87 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Thomas County had?
FEMA records 12 federal disaster declarations for Thomas County since 1993, most often 7 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in September 2024.
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. Thomas County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.