Cedar County Disaster Risk
Cedar County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cedar County, Nebraska
Cedar County maintains very low risk standing
Cedar County's composite risk score of 21.69 with a Very Low rating places it safely below the national average. The county's protected status reflects moderate exposures across its hazard spectrum.
Below Nebraska's average risk level
At 21.69, Cedar County scores below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it one of the safer counties statewide. This protective positioning provides residents with above-average security relative to state peers.
Consistent with regional safety profile
Cedar County's 21.69 score closely aligns with Burt County (20.67) and Butler County (24.46), reflecting a safe corridor across this region. All three counties maintain below-state-average risk profiles.
Wildfire leads Cedar County hazards
Wildfire risk (71.18) is Cedar County's primary concern, substantially elevated compared to other hazards in the county. Tornado risk (42.78) represents a secondary threat requiring standard storm preparedness measures.
Wildfire prevention is the priority
Cedar County homeowners should prioritize wildfire coverage within standard homeowners policies and take defensible-space precautions around their properties. Creating a 30-foot cleared zone around structures and using fire-resistant materials significantly reduces vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cedar County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cedar County
Risk Verdict
Cedar County's overall natural disaster score at the 22th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 22th percentile nationally is an advantage for Cedar County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cedar County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 71th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 43th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (25th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 71th percentile nationally, Cedar County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Cedar County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 43th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Cedar County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Cedar County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Cedar County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Nebraska county average, with a 4.1-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Cedar County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cedar County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Cedar County?
How does Cedar County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Cedar County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cedar 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.