Photo: Smallbones · Public domainMore hazard damage per building is expected in Norton than in 73% of U.S. towns, led by river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Norton gets a C for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns, #131 of 151 in Kansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (49%), then tornadoes (25%). FEMA’s files show no paid flood insurance claims here.
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 Norton 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 Norton’s grade
River and rain flooding is 49% of the building damage FEMA expects in Norton, and Norton’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 53% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 25%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
C #131 of 151 in Kansas; higher expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Norton’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, Norton has more expected damage per building than 87% of Kansas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.2M a year in losses across Norton: $1.2M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Norton flood? No paid flood claims on record
FEMA’s records show no paid flood insurance claims in Norton. That’s not a promise: most homes don’t carry flood insurance, so small floods go unrecorded.
Norton isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Norton County.3 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Norton
Disasters that paid out in Norton itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Norton), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2009Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm$1K to the City of Norton for repairs
- 2006Severe Winter Storm$11K to the City of Norton for repairs
- 2005Severe Winter Storm$8K to the City of Norton for repairs
Norton County has had 10 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 Norton after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Norton archive →Get ready for what Norton 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 Norton
Is Norton at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Norton has higher expected damage per building than 73% of U.S. towns: C for hazard risk, #131 of 151 in Kansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (49%) and tornadoes (25%). 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.
Is Norton 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 Norton County, 0.3% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Norton?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Norton’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 Norton?
By FEMA money that reached Norton, Severe Winter Storm (2006): $11K to the City of Norton for repairs.
Is Norton at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (49%), and Norton’s rate for it is higher than 53% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Norton.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Norton’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.