Sheridan County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 13th
Sheridan County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 13.4, 13th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Sheridan County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 13.4 out of 100 — placing it in the 13th 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 Sheridan County's expected losses come from wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 0.01 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $837K in expected annual loss and about 65.28 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $96K in expected annual loss and about 18.53 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 5K.
Beyond physical exposure, Sheridan County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Sheridan County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 2005, including 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds (severe storm), declared in September 2021.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Sheridan County ranks #63 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Medium | 0.01 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 65.28 / yr | $837K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 18.53 / yr | $96K |
| Hail | Low | 4.22 / yr | $316K |
| Lightning | Low | 41.59 / yr | $198K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 6.58 / yr | $695K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 1.32 / yr | $383 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $43K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.90 / yr | $265K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.61 / yr | $76K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.03 / yr | $5K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.32 / yr | $1M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.63 / yr | $10K |
| 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
Sheridan County has received 9 federal disaster declarations since 2005, most recently Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds in September 2021. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (4), Biological (2), Flood (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| August 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-Line Winds |
| November 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Winter Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding |
| August 2012 | Fire | Region 23 Fire Complex |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Sheridan County?
Sheridan County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 13.4 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 13th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Sheridan County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Medium, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $837K EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $96K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Sheridan County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Sheridan County ranks #63 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Sheridan County had?
FEMA records 9 federal disaster declarations for Sheridan County since 2005, most often 4 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds, declared in September 2021.
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. Sheridan County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.