Photo: 25or6to4 · CC BY-SA 4.0On FEMA’s figures, Independence faces more hazard damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Independence gets a C− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns, #140 of 151 in Kansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (76%), then tornadoes (15%). Flood insurance has paid 92 claims here since 1978.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What stands out about Independence’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Independence faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Independence’s grade
River and rain flooding is 76% of the building damage FEMA expects in Independence, and Independence’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 83% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 15%, at a rate in the top 2% of U.S. census tracts.
C− #140 of 151 in Kansas; higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Independence’s residents live in 4 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Kansas town has higher expected damage than 54% of U.S. towns; within the state, Independence has more expected damage per building than 93% of Kansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $7.2M a year in losses across Independence: $3.6M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Independence flood? Sometimes: 92 flood claims since 1978
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Independence, from FEMA’s records: 20.4 per 1,000 homes, more than 84% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Thunderstorms38 claims · $1.5M
Independence is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 7) for its flood-proofing work.
Insurance rates: Montgomery County.4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Independence
Disasters that paid out in Independence itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Independence), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2019Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,landslides,and Mudslides$191K to the City of Independence for repairs3 flood claims paid that year
- 2013Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding$55K to the City of Independence for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms and Flooding377 households applied for aid$2.5M aid approved$4.7M to the City of Independence for repairs38 flood claims paid that year
- 2002Severe Winter Ice Storm$39K to the City of Independence for repairs
Montgomery County has had 12 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Independence after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Independence archive →Independence and its neighbors
Independence has the lowest expected damage per building of the 2 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | C−more damage than 79% | river and rain flooding | 92 |
| Independence Township | C−more damage than 80% | river and rain flooding | 83 |
| Sycamore Township | — | not graded yet | |
| Drum Creek Township | — | 489 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
Hazard risk = FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value, vs. the 21,298 U.S. towns we grade; the map is shaded by fifths of the same scale. Flood claims = paid federal flood insurance claims on record.
Get ready for what Independence faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
- Independence residents get 15% off flood insurance.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Independence
Is Independence at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Independence has higher expected damage per building than 79% of U.S. towns: C− for hazard risk, #140 of 151 in Kansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (76%) and tornadoes (15%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Independence flood?
Flood insurance has paid 92 claims in Independence since 1978, $2.1M in all, or 20.4 per 1,000 homes, more than 84% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 8 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Thunderstorms (38).
Is Independence in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Montgomery County, 19% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.6% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Independence?
Independence is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 7), which takes 15% off federal flood insurance policies for its flood-proofing work. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Independence?
By FEMA money that reached Independence, Severe Storms and Flooding (2007): 377 households applied for aid, $2.5M approved, and $4.7M to the City of Independence for repairs. By flood claims, Thunderstorms: 38 paid, $1.5M.
Is Independence at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (76%), and Independence’s rate for it is higher than 83% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Independence.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Independence’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.