Howard County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Howard County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 24.2, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Howard County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 24.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th 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 Howard County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 6.84 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 41.51 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 3.45 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Howard County has a very 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: Howard County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 11 for severe storm events and 5 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Howard County ranks #42 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 6.84 / yr | $4M |
| Drought | Medium | 41.51 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.45 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.47 / yr | $108K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.58 / yr | $138K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $76K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.48 / yr | $983K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $2M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.20 / yr | $45 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 42.67 / yr | $49K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $11K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.21 / yr | $71K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.68 / yr | $15K |
| 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
Howard County has received 23 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (11), Flood (5), Tornado (3).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| May 2024 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| 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 |
| November 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Winter Storms, Tornadoes 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 23 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Howard County?
Howard County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 24.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Howard County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $4M EAL), Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Howard County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Howard County ranks #42 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Howard County had?
FEMA records 23 federal disaster declarations for Howard County since 1966, most often 11 for severe storm events and 5 for flood 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. Howard County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.