Natural Disaster Risk in Baxter Springs
Kansas
Risk Summary for Baxter Springs
Baxter Springs scores 6.3/10 (High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Above-average risk — check your policy limits
Standard homeowners insurance may not fully cover all hazards rated highly in this area. Verify that your policy includes adequate coverage for the top local hazards, and ask your insurer about specific endorsements or separate policies (e.g., flood, earthquake).
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Baxter Springs, Kansas
Located in the interior eastern United States in Cherokee County, Baxter Springs is a town of roughly 5,635 residents. The semi-arid continental climate that characterizes this part of Kansas — marked by hot summers, cold winters, and exposure at the heart of Tornado Alley — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Baxter Springs a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Baxter Springs's overall natural disaster risk is rated 6.3/10 (High) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. Secondary hazards include ice storm and tornado.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Baxter Springs's natural disaster risk is above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly above the 5.2/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by drought and ice storm, as measured by FEMA across Cherokee County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Baxter Springs's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.
What this means for Baxter Springs: Drought preparedness
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
Local Factors for Baxter Springs
These city-level factors differentiate Baxter Springs from other communities in Cherokee County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
5,635
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 37.0°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 6.2/10
Coordinates
37.0332° N, 94.7864° W
Cherokee County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Baxter Springs
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Baxter Springs
Other cities in Kansas
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.