Merrick County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 43th
Merrick County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 42.9, 43th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $14M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Merrick County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 42.9 out of 100 — placing it in the 43rd 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 High risk — $4M in expected annual loss and about 6.94 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 55.63 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 3.82 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $14M in expected annual loss for a population of 8K.
Beyond physical exposure, Merrick County has a 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 federal record bears this out: Merrick County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 5 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Merrick County ranks #19 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 6.94 / yr | $4M |
| Drought | High | 55.63 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.82 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.59 / yr | $213K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.00 / yr | $96K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.44 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $51K |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 0.61 / yr | $5M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 42.70 / yr | $50K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.26 / yr | $30K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.11 / yr | $86K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $2 |
| 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
Merrick County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (5), Severe Storm (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| February 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
| June 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 1993 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Merrick County?
Merrick County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 42.9 out of 100, placing it in the 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 Merrick County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $4M EAL), Drought (High, $2M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $1M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Merrick County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Merrick County ranks #19 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Merrick County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Merrick County since 1967, most often 5 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
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. Merrick County's $14M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.