Dundy County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 2th
Dundy County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 2.2, 2th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and hail exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $3M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Dundy County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 2.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 2nd 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.
Most of Dundy County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $645K in expected annual loss and about 79.26 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $687K in expected annual loss and about 8.17 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $17K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Dundy 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.
The federal record bears this out: Dundy County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1993, including 8 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in August 2024.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Dundy County ranks #79 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 79.26 / yr | $645K |
| Hail | Low | 8.17 / yr | $687K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $17K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 13.26 / yr | $30K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.63 / yr | $359K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.63 / yr | $279K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.12 / yr | $24K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.77 / yr | $243K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $28 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 42.65 / yr | $26K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 1.11 / yr | $5K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.43 / yr | $496K |
| 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
Dundy County has received 12 federal disaster declarations since 1993, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in August 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
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 Dundy County?
Dundy County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 2.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 2th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Dundy County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $645K EAL), Hail (Low, $687K EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $17K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Dundy County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Dundy County ranks #79 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Dundy County had?
FEMA records 12 federal disaster declarations for Dundy County since 1993, most often 8 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in August 2024.
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. Dundy County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.