Cass County Disaster Risk
Cass County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% 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 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cass County, Nebraska
Cass County faces slightly elevated risk
With a composite score of 31.04, Cass County carries Very Low risk overall but registers above the national average. The county's hazard profile reflects a combination of managed but notable natural disaster exposures.
Slightly above Nebraska's average risk
Cass County's 31.04 score exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80 by about 20 percent, positioning it as one of the state's moderately exposed counties. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Nebraska's risk spectrum.
Higher risk than most nearby counties
Cass County's 31.04 score exceeds Burt County (20.67), Butler County (24.46), and Cedar County (21.69), indicating notably more hazard exposure than surrounding communities. Only Buffalo County (66.00) in the broader region carries significantly higher composite risk.
Tornado risk leads Cass County concerns
Tornado risk (63.10) is Cass County's most significant hazard, substantially above state averages and demanding active preparedness. Wildfire (74.14) and flood (36.96) risks round out a triplet of moderate-to-elevated threats.
Multi-hazard coverage strongly recommended
Cass County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind, tornado, flood, and wildfire damage. Investing in storm-resistant improvements and maintaining an updated disaster preparedness plan is prudent given the county's elevated tornado exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cass County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cass County
Risk Verdict
Cass County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 31th percentile nationally. A 31th percentile score positions Cass County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cass County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 74th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Cass County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary tornado exposure at the 63th percentile nationally means Cass County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Cass County residents.
Regional Context
At 5.2 points above the Nebraska state average, Cass County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Nebraska county.
Is your household prepared for Cass County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cass County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Cass County?
How does Cass County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Cass County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cass 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.