Custer County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 28th
Custer County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 28.0, 28th national percentile), driven primarily by winter weather and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Custer County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 28.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 28th 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 winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $285K in expected annual loss and about 16.58 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $629K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $808K in expected annual loss and about 42.88 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 11K.
Beyond physical exposure, Custer 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: Custer County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1978, including 12 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, Custer County ranks #33 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Winter Weather | Medium | 16.58 / yr | $285K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $629K |
| Drought | Medium | 42.88 / yr | $808K |
| Hail | Low | 6.59 / yr | $496K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.11 / yr | $121K |
| Tornado | Low | 1.55 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 2.09 / yr | $1K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 1.18 / yr | $7M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.58 / yr | $146K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 43.32 / yr | $83K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.52 / yr | $218K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $34K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.74 / yr | $211K |
| 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
Custer County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1978, most recently Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds in July 2022. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (12), 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 |
| June 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| 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 |
| July 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Custer County?
Custer County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 28.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 28th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Custer County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Winter Weather (Medium, $285K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $629K EAL), Drought (Medium, $808K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Custer County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Custer County ranks #33 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Custer County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for Custer County since 1978, most often 12 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. Custer County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.