Perkins County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 4th
Perkins County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 4.4, 4th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Perkins County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 4.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 4th 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 hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 7.71 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $829K in expected annual loss and about 91.73 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Low risk — $400K in expected annual loss and about 2.82 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Perkins 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.
History supports the rating: Perkins County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 2001, including 7 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Perkins County ranks #73 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 7.71 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 91.73 / yr | $829K |
| Strong Wind | Low | 2.82 / yr | $400K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.47 / yr | $391K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.61 / yr | $314K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 14.05 / yr | $22K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 44.31 / yr | $66K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 2.21 / yr | $18K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $5K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.36 / yr | $568K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $1 |
| 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
Perkins County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 2001, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Biological (2), Hurricane (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2009 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| August 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
| July 2003 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Tornadoes |
| May 2001 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Perkins County?
Perkins County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 4.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 4th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Perkins County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $829K EAL), Strong Wind (Low, $400K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Perkins County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Perkins County ranks #73 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Perkins County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Perkins County since 2001, most often 7 for severe storm events and 2 for biological 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. Perkins County's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.