Natural Disaster Risk in Smith Center
Kansas
Risk Summary for Smith Center
Smith Center scores 5.0/10 (Moderate risk), near the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Hail.
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: Smith Center, Kansas
Smith Center is a small community of about 1,913 in Smith 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 Smith Center.
FEMA rates Smith Center's composite natural disaster risk at 5.0 out of 10 — moderate risk. Hailstorm risk tops the local hazard profile, driven by frequent severe thunderstorm development that produces some of the most property-damaging hail in the country. Residents should also account for drought and wind risk in their preparedness planning.
Smith Center's risk score, near 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 Smith County, the highest-scoring are hail, drought, and wind. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Smith Center 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 hail is recommended.
What this means for Smith Center: Hail preparedness
- Impact-resistant (Class 4) roofing can reduce hail damage and may lower insurance premiums.
- Park vehicles under cover when severe storms are forecast to avoid costly hail damage.
- Document roof and property condition annually to streamline any future hail claims.
Local Factors for Smith Center
These city-level factors differentiate Smith Center from other communities in Smith County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,913
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 39.8°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 4.8/10
Coordinates
39.8257° N, 98.7937° W
Smith 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 Smith Center
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Smith Center
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.