Cherry County Disaster Risk
Cherry County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
14th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
15th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cherry County, Nebraska
Cherry County maintains very low overall risk
With a composite risk score of 13.58, Cherry County carries Very Low risk and ranks well below the national average. The county's protective position reflects manageable natural disaster exposure across most hazard categories.
Well below Nebraska's state average
Cherry County's 13.58 score is substantially lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as one of the state's safest counties. This below-average risk provides residents with comparative security within the state context.
Safer than most surrounding areas
Cherry County's 13.58 score is lower than Brown County (2.39) and Cedar County (21.69), placing it among the region's more protected communities. The county benefits from geographic isolation that shields it from major hazard corridors.
Wildfire risk dominates local hazards
Wildfire risk at 88.36 is notably elevated and Cherry County's most significant concern, substantially above state averages. Earthquake risk (22.04) is elevated compared to other county hazards, while tornado (26.27) and flood (14.98) risks remain moderate.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
Cherry County homeowners should ensure comprehensive policies explicitly cover wildfire damage and earthquake exposure, given these county-specific threats. Maintaining defensible space around structures and securing a home's foundation against seismic activity are prudent protective steps.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cherry County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cherry County
Risk Verdict
Cherry County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 14th percentile nationally. The 14th percentile national ranking is one lens; Cherry County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cherry County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 26th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (22th percentile), flood (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Cherry County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 88th percentile nationally. Cherry County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary tornado exposure at the 26th percentile nationally means Cherry County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Cherry County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Nebraska county average exceeds Cherry County's score by 12.2 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Cherry County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cherry County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Cherry County?
How does Cherry County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Cherry County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cherry 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.