Chase County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 7th
Chase County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 6.7, 7th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Chase County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 6.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 7th 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.
Risk here concentrates in hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 7.97 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $619K in expected annual loss and about 90.62 events per year; and cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Low risk — $676K in expected annual loss and about 4.05 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 4K.
Beyond physical exposure, Chase County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low 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: Chase County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1990, including 8 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Chase County ranks #69 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 7.97 / yr | $2M |
| Drought | Medium | 90.62 / yr | $619K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 4.05 / yr | $676K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.69 / yr | $494K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.17 / yr | $317K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 13.05 / yr | $30K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 43.69 / yr | $103K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $23K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.89 / yr | $33K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.17 / yr | $10 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.39 / yr | $754K |
| 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
Chase County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1990, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
| May 2001 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
Showing the 10 most recent of 12 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Chase County?
Chase County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 6.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 7th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Chase County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $2M EAL), Drought (Medium, $619K EAL), Cold Wave (Low, $676K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Chase County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Chase County ranks #69 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Chase County had?
FEMA records 12 federal disaster declarations for Chase County since 1990, most often 8 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
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. Chase County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.