York County, Nebraska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · NE
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 52th
York County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 52.3, 52th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $25M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
York County carries a low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 52.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 52nd national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. 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 — $9M in expected annual loss and about 7.68 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $5M in expected annual loss and about 4.41 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 27.97 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $25M in expected annual loss for a population of 14K.
Beyond physical exposure, York 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.
The federal record bears this out: York County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1967, including 10 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds (winter storm), declared in May 2025.
Among 93 Nebraska counties, York County ranks #15 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Hail | High | 7.68 / yr | $9M |
| Strong Wind | High | 4.41 / yr | $5M |
| Drought | Medium | 27.97 / yr | $2M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.68 / yr | $347K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 13.58 / yr | $199K |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.56 / yr | $3M |
| Lightning | Low | 43.62 / yr | $332K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $32K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 5.58 / yr | $159K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.64 / yr | $4M |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 4.63 / yr | $376K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $29K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.08 / yr | $15 |
| 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
York County has received 20 federal disaster declarations since 1967, most recently Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds in May 2025. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (10), Flood (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds |
| July 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Straight-Line Winds |
| 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 |
| June 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2014 | Tornado | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2011 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line Winds, and Flooding |
| April 2010 | Flood | Severe Storms, Ice Jams, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 20 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for York County?
York County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 52.3 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 52th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in York County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $9M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $5M EAL), Drought (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does York County compare to other Nebraska counties?
York County ranks #15 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has York County had?
FEMA records 20 federal disaster declarations for York County since 1967, most often 10 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storm and Straight-Line Winds, declared in May 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. York County's $25M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.