The Pew Charitable Trusts analysis shows that for every $1 of federal funds spent on protecting against flood and tornado damage, Kansas avoided $6.81 in potential recovery costs.
The Kansas News Service reports that Missouri trailed close behind, with each federal dollar saving $6.72.
Researchers calculated savings from avoiding casualties, property repairs and business disruptions, among other factors.
The findings come after Kansas saw heavy rain and flooding this spring. A May tornado near Pittsburg damaged buildings and toppled power lines and trees.
The study’s co-author, Colin Foard, says the main takeaway for policymakers is that investing in disaster mitigation pays off.