Phelps County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 39th
Phelps County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 39.2, 39th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $17M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Phelps County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 39.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 39th 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 High risk — $8M in expected annual loss and about 7.07 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at High risk — $3M in expected annual loss and about 48.33 events per year; and strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.79 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $17M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Phelps 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: Phelps County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 7 for severe storm events and 3 for flood events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Phelps County ranks #23 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 7.07 / yr | $8M |
| Drought | High | 48.33 / yr | $3M |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 3.79 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 14.42 / yr | $124K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.17 / yr | $138K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.44 / yr | $2M |
| Lightning | Low | 43.14 / yr | $176K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.58 / yr | $123K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.46 / yr | $3M |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $20K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.00 / yr | $89K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $3 |
| 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
Phelps County has received 14 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (7), Flood (3), 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 |
| July 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| January 2006 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
Showing the 10 most recent of 14 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Phelps County?
Phelps County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 39.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 39th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Phelps County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $8M EAL), Drought (High, $3M EAL), Strong Wind (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Phelps County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Phelps County ranks #23 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Phelps County had?
FEMA records 14 federal disaster declarations for Phelps County since 1967, most often 7 for severe storm events and 3 for flood 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. Phelps County's $17M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.