Nebraska natural disaster risk
Nebraska ranks #12 of 51 from safest. Its biggest relative risks are hail, strong wind, tornado.
The vertical line marks the middle of U.S. counties (50).
Risk in Nebraska's largest counties
| County | Population | Risk score | FEMA rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas County | 590,736 | 95.9 | Relatively High |
| Lancaster County | 326,696 | 90.7 | Relatively Moderate |
| Sarpy County | 197,389 | 83.6 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hall County | 62,536 | 74.2 | Relatively Low |
| Buffalo County | 50,579 | 66.0 | Relatively Low |
| Dodge County | 37,351 | 67.4 | Relatively Low |
| Scotts Bluff County | 35,843 | 63.8 | Relatively Low |
| Madison County | 35,532 | 60.9 | Relatively Low |
| Platte County | 34,716 | 70.6 | Relatively Low |
| Lincoln County | 33,802 | 48.6 | Relatively Low |
| Adams County | 31,052 | 64.3 | Relatively Low |
| Cass County | 27,161 | 31.0 | Very Low |
| Dawson County | 24,202 | 65.3 | Relatively Low |
| Saunders County | 23,048 | 29.1 | Very Low |
| Gage County | 21,629 | 40.6 | Very Low |
| Dakota County | 21,354 | 36.0 | Very Low |
| Washington County | 21,106 | 25.5 | Very Low |
| Seward County | 17,641 | 24.9 | Very Low |
| Otoe County | 16,241 | 18.0 | Very Low |
| Saline County | 14,650 | 42.4 | Very Low |
| York County | 14,286 | 52.3 | Relatively Low |
| Box Butte County | 10,714 | 21.0 | Very Low |
| Colfax County | 10,641 | 28.6 | Very Low |
| Red Willow County | 10,557 | 20.3 | Very Low |
| Custer County | 10,518 | 28.0 | Very Low |
County scores are averages, and the insurance figure above is what owners with a mortgage reported paying in 2024 (Census American Community Survey); premiums have risen since, especially in high-risk areas. For a specific home, check the address on FEMA's flood map and get insurance quotes before you commit. Our guide explains how to check natural disaster risk before you move.
Lowest-risk counties in Nebraska
- Washington County 25.5
- Saunders County 29.1
- Cass County 31.0
- Dakota County 36.0
- Gage County 40.6
- Lincoln County 48.6
- Madison County 60.9
- Scotts Bluff County 63.8
Cities in Nebraska
- Omaha, NE risk 85
Frequently asked questions
Is Nebraska safe from natural disasters?
Nebraska's population-weighted FEMA risk score is 70.1 out of 100 (above average for U.S. counties), #12 of 51 from safest. About 30% of residents live in counties FEMA rates relatively high or very high.
What natural disasters happen in Nebraska?
The highest relative risks in Nebraska are hail, strong wind, tornado (national percentile scores 94, 84, 82).
Where is the safest place to live in Nebraska?
Among counties with at least 20,000 people, the lowest FEMA risk scores are in Washington County, Saunders County, Cass County.