Stanton County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 16th
Stanton County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 16.2, 16th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $7M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Stanton County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 16.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 16th 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 6.17 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $628K in expected annual loss and about 35.27 events per year; and wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $195K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $7M in expected annual loss for a population of 6K.
Beyond physical exposure, Stanton 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: Stanton County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 8 for flood events and 7 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Stanton County ranks #55 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | Medium | 6.17 / yr | $1M |
| Drought | Medium | 35.27 / yr | $628K |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $195K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.82 / yr | $73K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.32 / yr | $970K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.10 / yr | $668 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.53 / yr | $401K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 15.05 / yr | $38K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.75 / yr | $4M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 6.05 / yr | $381K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 4.68 / yr | $48K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 42.57 / yr | $34K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6K |
| 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
Stanton County has received 19 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Flood (8), Severe Storm (7), 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 |
| 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 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
Showing the 10 most recent of 19 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Stanton County?
Stanton County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 16.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 16th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Stanton County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (Medium, $1M EAL), Drought (Medium, $628K EAL), Wildfire (Low, $195K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Stanton County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Stanton County ranks #55 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Stanton County had?
FEMA records 19 federal disaster declarations for Stanton County since 1967, most often 8 for flood events and 7 for severe storm 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. Stanton County's $7M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.