Natural Disaster Risk in Morton County

Natural Hazard Profile: Morton County, Kansas

Morton County is located in the United States in Kansas, home to roughly 2,694 residents. The county 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 natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Morton County carries an overall risk score of 3.9/10, placing it in the low category. 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. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and tsunami.

Morton County'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 Morton County, the highest-scoring are drought, wildfire, and tsunami. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Morton County carries a below-average natural disaster risk, reflecting fewer and less severe hazard exposures than typical U.S. communities. Even so, the area's primary risk — drought — warrants awareness and appropriate insurance coverage, as lower risk does not mean zero risk.