Buffalo County Disaster Risk
Buffalo County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#7
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
51th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Buffalo County, Nebraska
Buffalo County faces moderately elevated risk
Buffalo County's composite risk score of 66.00 places it in the Relatively Low category, significantly higher than most U.S. counties. This reflects a combination of hazards that demand proactive preparation from residents.
Among Nebraska's higher-risk counties
At 66.00, Buffalo County's composite score exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80 by nearly 160 percent. The county ranks among the state's most hazard-exposed communities.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
Buffalo County's score of 66.00 substantially exceeds Cass County (31.04), Burt County (20.67), and Butler County (24.46). Its elevated exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards distinguishes it as a higher-risk region within central Nebraska.
Trio of threats demand active planning
Wildfire (74.33), tornado (71.98), and flood (50.83) risks all exceed state averages, creating a compounded hazard environment. These three overlapping threats make Buffalo County one of Nebraska's most disaster-exposed areas.
Comprehensive coverage is essential
Buffalo County residents should prioritize flood insurance, windstorm/tornado coverage, and wildfire protection in addition to standard homeowners policies. Given the county's elevated multi-hazard exposure, detailed property assessment and reinforced structural improvements are strongly recommended.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Buffalo County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Buffalo County
Risk Verdict
Buffalo County ranks at the 66th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Buffalo County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 72th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (51th percentile), earthquake (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Buffalo County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Buffalo County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 72th percentile nationally means Buffalo County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Buffalo County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other Nebraska counties, Buffalo County runs 40.2 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Buffalo County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Buffalo County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Buffalo County?
How does Buffalo County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Buffalo County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Buffalo County higher risk than average?
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.