Cheyenne County Disaster Risk
Cheyenne County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#35
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
28th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cheyenne County, Nebraska
Cheyenne County's Risk Score
With a composite risk score of 27.80 and a Very Low rating, Cheyenne County sits slightly above the national average for natural disaster risk. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazards, with wildfire emerging as the most significant threat at 43.38.
Among Nebraska's Safest Counties
Cheyenne County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Nebraska, with a score of 27.80 compared to the state average of 25.80. The county's risk profile is well below several neighboring counties, though wildfire and tornado risks warrant attention.
Compared to Neighboring Counties
Cheyenne County's composite risk of 27.80 is significantly lower than nearby Laramie County in Wyoming and other regional counterparts. Its tornado risk (35.37) is moderate compared to the state, while its wildfire risk (43.38) aligns with broader Great Plains patterns.
Wildfire and Tornado Threats
Wildfire risk (43.38) poses the greatest natural disaster threat to Cheyenne County, followed by tornado risk (35.37). While flood risk remains relatively low at 27.74, residents should prepare for severe convective weather and grass fires, particularly during dry seasons.
Insurance for Wyoming Border County
Residents should prioritize windstorm and fire insurance given the county's wildfire exposure. Consider reviewing coverage limits annually, especially if you're near grasslands or have vegetation near your home that could fuel wildfires.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cheyenne County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cheyenne County
Risk Verdict
At the 28th percentile nationally, Cheyenne County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Even at the 28th percentile, Cheyenne County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cheyenne County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 43th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (28th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Cheyenne County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 43th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Cheyenne County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 35th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Cheyenne 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
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.0 points from the Nebraska average, making Cheyenne County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Cheyenne County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cheyenne County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Cheyenne County?
How does Cheyenne County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Cheyenne County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cheyenne 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.