Hitchcock County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 7th
Hitchcock County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 6.8, 7th 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 Hitchcock County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 6.8 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.
The county's risk is driven primarily by drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $707K in expected annual loss and about 96.71 events per year; hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $541K in expected annual loss and about 8.32 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $727K in expected annual loss and about 4.25 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $3M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Hitchcock County has a medium 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: Hitchcock County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1990, including 5 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, Hitchcock County ranks #68 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 96.71 / yr | $707K |
| Hail | Low | 8.32 / yr | $541K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.25 / yr | $727K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.05 / yr | $50K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.22 / yr | $38K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.54 / yr | $321K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.26 / yr | $160K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 43.05 / yr | $42K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.24 / yr | $36 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.89 / yr | $22K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $756K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| 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
Hitchcock County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 1990, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in August 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), 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 |
| July 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
| November 1997 | Severe Storm | Severe Snow Storms, Rain, and Strong Winds |
| May 1994 | Snowstorm | Severe Snow and Ice Storm |
| July 1990 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Hitchcock County?
Hitchcock County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 6.8 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 Hitchcock County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $707K EAL), Hail (Low, $541K EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $727K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Hitchcock County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Hitchcock County ranks #68 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Hitchcock County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Hitchcock County since 1990, most often 5 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. Hitchcock County's $3M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.