Wichita County, Kansas Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · KS
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 8th
Wichita County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 8.2, 8th 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 Wichita County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 8.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 8th 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 Wichita County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 8.39 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 75.65 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $720K in expected annual loss and about 3.89 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Wichita County has a 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.
The federal record bears this out: Wichita County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 2005, including 4 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 October 2023.
Among 105 Kansas counties, Wichita County ranks #90 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 8.39 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 75.65 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 3.89 / yr | $720K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 10.79 / yr | $39K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.72 / yr | $227K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 4.15 / yr | $117K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $10K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.82 / yr | $28K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.19 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.95 / yr | $6K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.54 / yr | $736K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $1 |
| 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
Wichita County has received 8 federal disaster declarations since 2005, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in October 2023. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Biological (2), Snowstorm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| October 2023 | 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 |
| December 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2007 | 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 Wichita County?
Wichita County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 8.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 8th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Wichita County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $720K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Wichita County compare to other Kansas counties?
Wichita County ranks #90 of 105 Kansas counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Wichita County had?
FEMA records 8 federal disaster declarations for Wichita County since 2005, most often 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in October 2023.
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. Wichita County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.