Saunders County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 29th
Saunders County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 29.1, 29th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $16M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Saunders County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 29.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 29th 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 — $3M in expected annual loss and about 7.25 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 31.13 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $344K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $16M in expected annual loss for a population of 22K.
Beyond physical exposure, Saunders County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very 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: Saunders County has received 30 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 16 for severe storm events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in October 2025.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Saunders County ranks #31 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 7.25 / yr | $3M |
| Drought | Medium | 31.13 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $344K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 4.33 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.73 / yr | $265K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.66 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.15 / yr | $3K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 13.68 / yr | $108K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 2.00 / yr | $6M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 7.47 / yr | $106K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 45.39 / yr | $105K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.68 / yr | $317K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $20K |
| 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
Saunders County has received 30 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding in October 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (16), Flood (7), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| May 2025 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| October 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| August 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| February 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes |
| 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 |
Showing the 10 most recent of 30 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Saunders County?
Saunders County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 29.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 29th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Saunders County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $3M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Wildfire (Low, $344K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Saunders County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Saunders County ranks #31 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Saunders County had?
FEMA records 30 federal disaster declarations for Saunders County since 1967, most often 16 for severe storm events and 7 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, declared in October 2025.
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. Saunders County's $16M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.