Nemaha County Disaster Risk
Nemaha County, Kansas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
17th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#62
of 105 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
23th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nemaha County, Kansas
Nemaha County: low risk below state average
Nemaha County's composite risk score of 17.43 places it well below Kansas's state average of 29.89, earning a very low risk rating nationally. This county faces substantially less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties, though vigilance remains important for localized hazards.
Among Kansas's safest counties
Ranking near the bottom of Kansas counties for overall disaster risk, Nemaha County scores significantly lower than the state average across most hazard categories. Its very low composite score reflects relatively minimal exposure to major natural threats statewide.
Lower risk than eastern Kansas peers
Nemaha County's 17.43 score outperforms neighboring Doniphan and Marshall Counties in overall safety, though wildfire risk (82.82) does exceed regional norms. The county's tornado risk (58.30) mirrors typical northeast Kansas exposure patterns.
Wildfire emerges as primary hazard
Wildfire risk at 82.82 significantly outpaces other hazards in Nemaha County, reflecting grassland conditions and seasonal drought patterns common to the region. Tornado risk follows at 58.30, while flood risk (23.31) and earthquake risk (21.85) pose secondary concerns.
Secure wildfire and tornado coverage
Homeowners in Nemaha County should prioritize comprehensive wildfire insurance and wind damage coverage given the county's high wildfire exposure relative to other risks. Bundle these protections with standard homeowner's insurance and create a defensible space plan around your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nemaha County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nemaha County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Nemaha County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 17th percentile. The 17th percentile national ranking is one lens; Nemaha County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Nemaha County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (23th percentile), earthquake (22th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 83th percentile nationally for wildfire, Nemaha County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 58th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Nemaha County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Nemaha County is 12.5 composite risk points below the Kansas state mean, meaning most other Kansas counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Nemaha County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nemaha County, KS?
What types of natural hazards affect Nemaha County?
How does Nemaha County risk compare to the Kansas average?
Is Nemaha County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nemaha County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.