Clay County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 56th
Clay County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 56.0, 56th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $20M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Clay County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 56.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 56th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 7.58 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 4.46 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 34.29 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $20M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Clay County has a 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: Clay County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 8 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds (winter storm), declared in May 2025.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Clay County ranks #13 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 7.58 / yr | $8M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.46 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | High | 34.29 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.68 / yr | $245K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 13.26 / yr | $102K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $88K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.59 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 43.94 / yr | $286K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $20K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.79 / yr | $27K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.32 / yr | $83K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $8 |
| 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
Clay 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 (8), Flood (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| September 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2021 | 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 |
| June 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2014 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
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 Clay County?
Clay County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 56.0 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 56th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Clay County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $8M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $5M EAL), Drought (High, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Clay County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Clay County ranks #13 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Clay County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Clay County since 1967, most often 8 for severe storm events and 4 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. Clay County's $20M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.