Natural Disaster Risk in Hoxie

Natural Hazard Profile: Hoxie, Kansas

Hoxie is a small community of about 1,592 in Sheridan County, in the Great Plains. 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 Hoxie.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Hoxie carries an overall risk score of 3.9/10, placing it in the low category. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and tsunami.

Hoxie's risk score, slightly below the 5.2/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Sheridan County, the highest-scoring are hail, drought, and tsunami. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Hoxie is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers hail — remains prudent for all residents.