Burt County Disaster Risk
Burt County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
21th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
19th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Burt County, Nebraska
Burt County maintains very low overall risk
With a composite risk score of 20.67 and a Very Low rating, Burt County is safer than the national average. The county's risk profile reflects manageable hazard exposure across most natural disaster categories.
Below Nebraska's average risk level
Burt County's score of 20.67 falls below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as one of the safer counties statewide. This below-average risk makes it a relatively secure place to live within the state context.
Comparable to surrounding communities
Burt County's score of 20.67 aligns closely with Cedar County (21.69) and Butler County (24.46), indicating consistent risk profiles across this region. All three counties maintain protective ratings relative to state averages.
Wildfire risk dominates local hazards
Wildfire risk at 78.40 is notably high and represents Burt County's primary concern, though the county's overall composite score remains low. Tornado risk (46.63) is moderate and warrants standard storm shelter planning.
Prioritize wildfire protection measures
Burt County residents should ensure homeowners policies include robust wildfire and windstorm coverage given local conditions. Creating defensible space around structures and maintaining clear gutters are practical steps to reduce wildfire vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Burt County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Burt County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Burt County ranks at the 21th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Burt County residents can take confidence from a 21th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Burt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 47th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (19th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Burt County sits at the 78th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Burt County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. The county's tornado exposure at the 47th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. In Burt County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 5.1 points below the Nebraska state average, Burt County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Burt County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Burt County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Burt County?
How does Burt County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Burt County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Burt 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.