Natural Disaster Risk in Cottonwood Falls
Kansas
Risk Summary for Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls scores 4.6/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
Cottonwood Falls is a small community of about 1,237 in Chase County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot summers, cold winters, and exposure at the heart of Tornado Alley, with one of the most intense tornado seasons in the world, peaking in May and June shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Cottonwood Falls.
FEMA rates Cottonwood Falls's composite natural disaster risk at 4.6 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of wildfire dominates the local risk environment, with hot, dry summers and abundant fuel creating dangerous fire conditions each year. Residents should also account for ice storm and hail risk in their preparedness planning.
Cottonwood Falls's risk score, slightly below the 5.2/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Chase County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, ice storm, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Cottonwood Falls residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.
What this means for Cottonwood Falls: Wildfire preparedness
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
- Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
Local Factors for Cottonwood Falls
These city-level factors differentiate Cottonwood Falls from other communities in Chase County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,237
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 38.3°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.3/10
Coordinates
38.2955° N, 96.5076° W
Chase 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 Cottonwood Falls
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Cottonwood Falls
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.