Photo: Srudisell · CC BY-SA 4.0More hazard damage per building is expected in Topeka than in 63% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Topeka gets a C+ for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 63% of U.S. towns, #110 of 151 in Kansas. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (83%), then tornadoes (10%). Flood insurance has paid 99 claims here since 1979.
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 Topeka’s natural hazards
From FEMA’s model and FEMA’s records, below.
What Topeka 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 Topeka’s grade
River and rain flooding is 83% of the building damage FEMA expects in Topeka, and Topeka’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 77% of U.S. census tracts. Next is tornadoes at 10% (higher than 85% of U.S. census tracts).
C+ #110 of 151 in Kansas; higher expected damage per building than 63% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Topeka’s residents live in 41 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, Topeka has more expected damage per building than 73% of Kansas towns.
Among the 400 U.S. cities of 100,000 or more, Topeka has higher expected damage per building than 55% (#220 of 400). Because it is so big, its total expected yearly loss, $53.4M, is the 227th largest of those 400.
Does Topeka flood? Sometimes: 99 flood claims since 1979
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Topeka, from FEMA’s records: 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 66% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Midwest Flooding3 claims · $3K
- The Thunderstorms1 claim · $7K
Topeka is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 8) for its flood-proofing work.
Insurance rates: Shawnee County.1 federal disaster brought FEMA money to Topeka
Disasters that paid out in Topeka itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Topeka), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding1,241 households applied for aid$2.7M aid approved42 flood claims paid that year
Shawnee County has had 13 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 Topeka after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Topeka archive →Topeka and its neighbors
Topeka is 6th of the 6 graded towns here, from least expected damage per building to most. Tap a town to see its hazards.
| Town | Hazard risk | Mostly (buildings) | Flood claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsport Township | A−less damage than 79% | river and rain flooding | 2 |
| Tecumseh Township | B+less damage than 67% | river and rain flooding | 11 |
| Soldier Township | B−more damage than 50% | river and rain flooding | 5 |
| Mission Township | C+more damage than 59% | river and rain flooding | 17 |
| Menoken Township | C+more damage than 59% | river and rain flooding | — |
| Topeka | C+more damage than 63% | river and rain flooding | 99 |
| Topeka Township | — | 865 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 Topeka 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.
- Topeka residents get 10% off flood insurance.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Topeka
Is Topeka at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Topeka has higher expected damage per building than 63% of U.S. towns: C+ for hazard risk, #110 of 151 in Kansas. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (83%) and tornadoes (10%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Topeka flood?
Flood insurance has paid 99 claims in Topeka since 1979, $1.5M in all, or 1.7 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 66% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 2 properties have flooded more than once. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (3).
Is Topeka 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 Shawnee County, 24% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 1.1% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Topeka?
Topeka is in FEMA’s Community Rating System (class 8), which takes 10% 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 Topeka?
By FEMA money that reached Topeka, Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (2007): 1,241 households applied for aid, $2.7M approved. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 3 paid, $3K.
Is Topeka at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (83%), and Topeka’s rate for it is higher than 77% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Topeka.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Topeka’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.