Hamilton County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 43th
Hamilton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 42.6, 43th 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
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Hamilton County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 42.6 out of 100 — placing it in the 43rd 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 Hamilton County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 7.20 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 4.15 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 41.66 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $20M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hamilton 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 county's disaster history tells the same story: Hamilton County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 14 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds (winter storm), declared in May 2025.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Hamilton County ranks #20 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 7.20 / yr | $8M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.15 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | Medium | 41.66 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.58 / yr | $263K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.84 / yr | $128K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.51 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 43.20 / yr | $218K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $20K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.21 / yr | $115K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.68 / yr | $285K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $10 |
| 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
Hamilton County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds in May 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (14), Biological (2), Flood (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 |
| February 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| September 2021 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2018 | Snowstorm | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| June 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line Winds, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 23 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hamilton County?
Hamilton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 42.6 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 43th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Hamilton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $8M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $5M EAL), Drought (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hamilton County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Hamilton County ranks #20 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hamilton County had?
FEMA records 23 federal disaster declarations for Hamilton County since 1967, most often 14 for severe storm events and 2 for biological 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. Hamilton County's $20M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.