Photo: Ichabod · CC BY-SA 3.0FEMA puts Larned’s expected hazard damage per building above that of 71% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Larned gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns, #126 of 151 in Kansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (54%), then tornadoes (21%). Flood insurance has paid 3 claims here since 1989.
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 Larned 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
Hail
Strong wind
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 Larned’s grade
River and rain flooding is 54% of the building damage FEMA expects in Larned, and Larned’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 58% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 21%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C #126 of 151 in Kansas; higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Larned’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
The typical Kansas town has higher expected damage than 54% of U.S. towns; within the state, Larned has more expected damage per building than 83% of Kansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.6M a year in losses across Larned: $1.7M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Larned flood? Rarely: 3 flood claims since 1989
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Larned, from FEMA’s records: 1.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 68% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Midwest Flooding1 claim · $3K
Larned isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Pawnee County.7 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Larned
Disasters that paid out in Larned itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Larned), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2021Severe Storms and Straight Line Winds$12K to the City of Larned for repairs
- 2019Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,landslides,and Mudslides$12K to the City of Larned for repairs
- 2017Severe Winter Storm$149K to the City of Larned for repairs
- 2013Snowstorm$9K to the City of Larned for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storms$72K to the City of Larned for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms and Flooding4 households applied for aid$5K aid approved
Show all 7
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding2 households applied for aid$733 aid approved$30K to the City of Larned for repairs
Pawnee County has had 25 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Larned after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Larned archive →Larned and its neighbors
Larned has the lowest expected damage per building of the 1 graded towns here. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larned | Cmore damage than 71% | river and rain flooding | 3 |
| Larned Township | — | 320 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Pleasant Grove Township | — | 113 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 Larned 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.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- 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.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Larned
Is Larned at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Larned has higher expected damage per building than 71% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk, #126 of 151 in Kansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (54%) and tornadoes (21%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Larned flood?
Flood insurance has paid 3 claims in Larned since 1989, $8K in all, or 1.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 68% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (1).
Is Larned 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 Pawnee County, 0.6% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Larned?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Larned’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Larned?
By FEMA money that reached Larned, Severe Winter Storm (2017): $149K to the City of Larned for repairs. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 1 paid, $3K.
Is Larned at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (54%), and Larned’s rate for it is higher than 58% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Larned.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Larned’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.