Madison County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 61th
Madison County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 60.9, 61th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $27M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Madison County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 60.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 61st national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 5.86 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at High risk — $417K in expected annual loss and about 15.00 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $716K in expected annual loss and about 0.82 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $27M in expected annual loss for a population of 36K.
Beyond physical exposure, Madison 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: Madison County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 8 for severe storm events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds (severe storm), declared in September 2021.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Madison County ranks #11 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 5.86 / yr | $3M |
| Winter Weather | High | 15.00 / yr | $417K |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.82 / yr | $716K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.42 / yr | $6M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.03 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $493K |
| Drought | Medium | 43.87 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.79 / yr | $12M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 5.89 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 41.85 / yr | $235K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.42 / yr | $199K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $62K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $31 |
| 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
Madison County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Flood (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 | 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 |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| April 2010 | Flood | Severe Storms, Ice Jams, and Flooding |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| July 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Madison County?
Madison County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 60.9 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 61th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Madison County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $417K EAL), Ice Storm (High, $716K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Madison County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Madison County ranks #11 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Madison County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Madison County since 1967, most often 8 for severe storm events and 6 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds, declared in September 2021.
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. Madison County's $27M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.