Nance County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 22th
Nance County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 21.7, 22th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $9M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Nance County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 21.7 out of 100 — placing it in the 22nd 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 Nance County's expected losses come from hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 6.86 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 50.16 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $805K in expected annual loss and about 3.72 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $9M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Nance 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: Nance County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1966, including 8 for severe storm events and 6 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, Nance County ranks #47 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 6.86 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 50.16 / yr | $1M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.72 / yr | $805K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.60 / yr | $126K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.89 / yr | $66K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $35K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.39 / yr | $752K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.11 / yr | $268K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 42.80 / yr | $72K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $2M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.00 / yr | $29K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.16 / yr | $34 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $5K |
| 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
Nance County has received 18 federal disaster declarations since 1966, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (8), Flood (6), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| 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 |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
Showing the 10 most recent of 18 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Nance County?
Nance County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 21.7 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 22th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Nance County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $3M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $805K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Nance County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Nance County ranks #47 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Nance County had?
FEMA records 18 federal disaster declarations for Nance County since 1966, most often 8 for severe storm events and 6 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. Nance County's $9M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.