Tampa, KS Insurance Guide — Local Risks & Coverage

By Billy E. Whited
Licensed insurance agent, BNW Services LLC · 40 years in trucking & the trades

Here's the local picture for insurance in Tampa, Kansas — the real employers, geography, housing, and weather that shape your coverage, from a licensed local agent who shops 80+ carriers.

Insurance in Tampa: a local agent's take

Living in Tampa, you know our homes have character, with most built between 1900 and 1975. While charming, these older properties, averaging around 1,373 sq ft, often come with higher replacement costs. Finding specialized labor and materials for historic preservation or bringing things up to modern code can be pricey. On top of that, our roofs are likely older, making them more susceptible to the frequent severe weather we experience. With 31 severe weather warnings in the last year, and Doppler radar detecting hail on 101 occasions, including 9 times in the last year, comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong dwelling coverage and potentially an extended replacement cost endorsement isn't just a good idea—it's essential to protect your investment from wind and hail damage.

The Tampa economy & who needs coverage

Marion County, which includes Tampa, has an economy supported by major employers such as Bethesda Softworks LLC, Marion County Courthouse, Parkside Homes, Bethesda Home, and St. Luke Hospital & Living Center. The county is also home to world-class manufacturers producing goods ranging from trailers to honey. (Sources: https://greaterwichitapartnership.org/data-resources/region-snapshot/marion, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GDPALL20115, https://www.kansascommerce.gov/dataview/county/marion)

Major employers & who's hiring in Tampa

• Centre USD 397 — Education (hiring)
• Hillsboro Community Hospital — Healthcare (hiring)
• The Tampa State Bank — Financial Services
• The Tampa Cafe — Food Service

Local landmarks & geography

• Unnamed Local Drainage/Creeks — While no major named rivers or lakes are directly in Tampa, KS, general flood risk exists from heavy rainfall and overflowing small, unnamed local creeks and drainage areas, impacting properties in low-lying areas.
• Old Santa Fe Trail — Tampa, KS is located on the historic Old Santa Fe Trail. Properties along this historic route may include older structures, potentially affecting replacement costs, historical preservation considerations, and overall property value.
• US Route 56 — US-56 is a major federal highway serving Marion County, where Tampa, KS is located. Proximity to a major highway can affect properties due to increased traffic noise, potential for vehicle-related incidents, and may influence property values.
• Kansas State Highway 15 (K-15) — K-15 is a state highway that passes near Tampa, KS. Similar to US-56, proximity can affect properties due to traffic noise, potential for incidents, and influence on property values.
• Kansas Wesleyan University — Located in Salina, KS (approximately 40-50 miles northwest of Tampa, KS). While not directly in Tampa, its regional presence can influence the broader real estate and rental markets in surrounding areas, indirectly affecting property values.
• Central Christian College of Kansas — Located in McPherson, KS (approximately 25-30 miles southwest of Tampa, KS). Similar to Kansas Wesleyan University, its regional presence can have a minor influence on surrounding areas' property values and rental demand.
• BNSF Railway Line — A railroad line runs directly next to the city of Tampa, KS. Proximity to an active railway can introduce risks such as noise pollution, vibration, and potential for train-related accidents (e.g., derailments, hazardous material spills), which can affect property values and insurance premiums.

Housing stock in Tampa

The housing stock in Tampa, KS, consists primarily of homes built between 1900 and 1975. These properties typically offer 2-4 bedrooms and 1-3 bathrooms, with an average building size of 1,373 sq ft. This older housing stock suggests that replacement costs might be higher due to the need for specialized labor and materials for historic preservation or significant renovations to meet modern building codes. Roofs would likely be older and may require more frequent inspection and maintenance, potentially leading to higher insurance premiums or replacement costs. (Source: https://www.countyoffice.org/main-tampa-ks-property-records/)

Weather & flood risk in Tampa

Tampa, KS experiences frequent severe weather, with 31 severe weather warnings issued in the past 12 months. Doppler radar has detected hail on 101 occasions, including 9 times in the last year, and there has been at least one on-the-ground hail report by trained spotters.

Official flood hazard information can typically be accessed via the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) by entering a specific address.

Local facts that affect Tampa insurance

• As of the 2020 census, the population of Tampa, Kansas, was 105 residents. — High
• Tampa, Kansas, is located in Marion County, Kansas, and is situated between the towns of Durham and Ramona, adjacent to a railroad line. — High
• The Tampa, KS area has been under severe weather warnings 31 times during the past 12 months, and Doppler radar has detected hail at or near the location on 101 occasions, with 9 of those occurring in the past year. — High
• Historically, Tampa, Kansas, is located on the old Santa Fe Trail, a significant land route in the United States from the 1820s to the 1870s. — Medium
• As of the 2020 census, the population of Tampa, Kansas was 105. — Population data helps insurance companies assess risk density and market size.
• The Tampa, KS area has been under severe weather warnings 31 times during the past 12 months, with at least one on-the-ground hail report by trained spotters. — High frequency of severe weather warnings and hail reports indicates increased risk for property damage, directly impacting homeowners and auto insurance claims and premiums.

Get covered in Tampa

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Sources: en.wikipedia.org · interactivehailmaps.com · legendsofkansas.com · indeed.com · branchspot.com · mapquest.com · usacitymap.com · en.wikipedia.org · centralchristian.edu