Thomas County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 0th
Thomas County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 0.2, 0th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $708K.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Thomas County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 0.2 out of 100 — placing it in the 0th 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 wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $45K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $58K in expected annual loss and about 56.53 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Very Low risk — $105K in expected annual loss and about 5.49 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $708K in expected annual loss for a population of 669.
Beyond physical exposure, Thomas County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a 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.
History supports the rating: Thomas County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 2001, including 6 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in September 2024.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, Thomas County ranks #92 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $45K |
| Drought | Low | 56.53 / yr | $58K |
| Hail | Very Low | 5.49 / yr | $105K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 1.19 / yr | $130 |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 16.32 / yr | $17K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.27 / yr | $62K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.90 / yr | $53K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.00 / yr | $6K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.05 / yr | $2K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $4K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 1.66 / yr | $18K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $332K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 41.65 / yr | $7K |
| 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
Thomas County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 2001, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in September 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (6), Biological (2), Fire (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| August 2018 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| April 2011 | Fire | Thedford Fire |
| July 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2008 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| June 2007 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuees |
| 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 Thomas County?
Thomas County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 0.2 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 0th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Thomas County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Very Low, $45K EAL), Drought (Low, $58K EAL), Hail (Very Low, $105K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Thomas County compare to other Nebraska counties?
Thomas County ranks #92 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Thomas County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Thomas County since 2001, most often 6 for severe storm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in September 2024.
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. Thomas County's $708K EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.