Natural Disaster Risk in Yates Center
Kansas
Risk Summary for Yates Center
Yates Center scores 4.7/10 (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: Yates Center, Kansas
Yates Center is a small community of about 2,190 in Woodson 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 Yates Center.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Yates Center carries an overall risk score of 4.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to drought and ice storm.
Yates Center'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 Woodson County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, drought, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Yates Center's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that wildfire exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Yates Center: 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 Yates Center
These city-level factors differentiate Yates Center from other communities in Woodson County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
2,190
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 37.9°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 7.9/10
Coordinates
37.8768° N, 95.7332° W
Woodson 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 Yates Center
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Yates 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.