Natural Disaster Risk in Rolla
Kansas
Risk Summary for Rolla
Rolla scores 3.9/10 (Low risk), below 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
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Rolla, Kansas
Rolla is a small community of about 777 in Morton 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 Rolla.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Rolla 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.
Rolla'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.
Rolla 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.
What this means for Rolla: Drought preparedness
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
- 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.
Local Factors for Rolla
These city-level factors differentiate Rolla from other communities in Morton County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
777
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 37.2°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.6/10
Coordinates
37.1800° N, 101.6118° W
Morton 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 Rolla
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Rolla
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.