For tornadoes, Freeman’s building-damage rate is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Freeman gets a B− for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (60%), then tornadoes (24%). Flood insurance has paid 1 claim here since 2024.
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 Freeman 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
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 Freeman’s grade
River and rain flooding is 60% of the building damage FEMA expects in Freeman, and Freeman’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is lower than 52% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 24%, at a rate in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
B− higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Freeman’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.5M a year in losses across Freeman: $1.4M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Freeman flood? Rarely: 1 flood claim since 2024
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Freeman, 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 June Midwest Flooding1 claim · $25K
Freeman isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Hutchinson County.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Freeman
Disasters that paid out in Freeman itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Freeman), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding1 households applied for aid$5K aid approved$108K to the City of Freeman for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2019Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding1 households applied for aid$730 aid approved
- 2019Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding10 households applied for aid$6K aid approved
- 2013Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm$16K to the City of Freeman for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding10 households applied for aid$5K aid approved
Hutchinson County has had 21 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 Freeman after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Freeman archive →Freeman and its neighbors
Freeman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeman | B−more damage than 53% | river and rain flooding | 1 |
| Grandview Township | — | 104 residents; we grade 1,000+ | |
| Valley Township | — | 198 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 Freeman 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.
- 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 Freeman
Is Freeman at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Freeman has higher expected damage per building than 53% of U.S. towns: B− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (60%) and tornadoes (24%). 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 Freeman flood?
Flood insurance has paid 1 claim in Freeman since 2024, $25K 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 June Midwest Flooding (1).
Is Freeman 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 Hutchinson County, 16% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Freeman?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Freeman’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 Freeman?
By FEMA money that reached Freeman, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (2024): 1 households applied for aid, $5K approved, and $108K to the City of Freeman for repairs. By flood claims, June Midwest Flooding: 1 paid, $25K.
Is Freeman at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (60%), and Freeman’s rate for it is lower than 52% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Freeman.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Freeman’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.