Butler County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Butler County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 24.5, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $10M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Butler County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 24.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th 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 — $2M in expected annual loss and about 7.40 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $910K in expected annual loss and about 43.47 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 4.27 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $10M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Butler County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Butler County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 9 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds (winter storm), declared in May 2025.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Butler County ranks #41 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 7.40 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 43.47 / yr | $910K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.27 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $161K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.66 / yr | $165K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.52 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.00 / yr | $70K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.13 / yr | $931 |
| Lightning | Low | 44.36 / yr | $177K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 4.74 / yr | $398K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 6.16 / yr | $95K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.82 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| 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
Butler County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds in May 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (9), Flood (5), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| August 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
| July 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| April 2010 | Flood | Severe Storms, Ice Jams, and Flooding |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Butler County?
Butler County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 24.5 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Butler County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $910K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Butler County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Butler County ranks #41 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Butler County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Butler County since 1967, most often 9 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds, declared in May 2025.
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. Butler County's $10M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.