Out of 18 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 18 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 36 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 2 |
Top 18 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Louis | Kansas | 11 | 0 | 2025 | 5/100 |
| 2 | Shawnee | Kansas | 7 | 1 | 2017 | 7/100 |
| 3 | Sedgwick | Kansas | 6 | 1 | 2023 | 17/100 |
| 4 | Leavenworth | Kansas | 2 | 0 | 2018 | 3/100 |
| 5 | Haskell | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 20/100 |
| 6 | Harper | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2009 | 8/100 |
| 7 | Douglas | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 2/100 |
| 8 | Harvey | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 2/100 |
| 9 | Reno | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2025 | 2/100 |
| 10 | Riley | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 1/100 |
| 11 | Bourbon | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2012 | 1/100 |
| 12 | Neosho | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2005 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Saline | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 1/100 |
| 14 | Hamilton | Kansas | 1 | 0 | 2016 | 1/100 |
| 15 | Jefferson | Kansas | 0 | 0 | — | 3/100 |
| 16 | Johnson | Kansas | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 17 | Crawford | Kansas | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
| 18 | Ottawa | Kansas | 0 | 0 | — | 1/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Kansas based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.