Antelope County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 19th
Antelope County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 19.5, 19th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Antelope County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 19.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 19th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 5.64 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 37.59 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $122K in expected annual loss and about 15.58 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Antelope County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
History supports the rating: Antelope County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 6 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds (severe storm), declared in July 2022.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Antelope County ranks #52 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 5.64 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 37.59 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 15.58 / yr | $122K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $94K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 2.43 / yr | $825K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.69 / yr | $124K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.54 / yr | $1M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 6.05 / yr | $487K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.11 / yr | $90K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 40.30 / yr | $84K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.79 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $25 |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Antelope County has received 13 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds in July 2022. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Flood (3), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2018 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2010 | Flood | Severe Storms, Ice Jams, and Flooding |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
Showing the 10 most recent of 13 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Antelope County?
Antelope County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 19.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 19th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Antelope County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $3M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $122K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Antelope County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Antelope County ranks #52 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Antelope County had?
FEMA records 13 federal disaster declarations for Antelope County since 1967, most often 6 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds, declared in July 2022.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Antelope County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.