Holt County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 17th
Holt County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 17.2, 17th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Holt County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 17.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 17th 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 — $1M in expected annual loss and about 45.75 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $149K in expected annual loss and about 16.68 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $191K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 10K.
Beyond physical exposure, Holt 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.
The federal record bears this out: Holt County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 2003, including 10 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 September 2024.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Holt County ranks #54 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 45.75 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 16.68 / yr | $149K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $191K |
| Lightning | Medium | 39.33 / yr | $496K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 6.63 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.59 / yr | $156K |
| Hail | Low | 5.37 / yr | $338K |
| Tornado | Low | 1.19 / yr | $871K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 1.90 / yr | $324K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $35K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.26 / yr | $76K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.35 / yr | $34 |
| 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
Holt County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 2003, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Biological (2), Flood (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2010 | Flood | Severe Storms, Ice Jams, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Holt County?
Holt County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 17.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 17th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Holt County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $149K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $191K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Holt County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Holt County ranks #54 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Holt County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Holt County since 2003, most often 10 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in September 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. Holt County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.