Clay County Disaster Risk
Clay County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
56th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#13
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
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clay County, Nebraska
Clay County's Above-Average Risk
Clay County has a composite risk score of 56.04 with a Relatively Low rating, placing it notably above the national average for natural disaster risk. The county faces significant wildfire (59.54) and tornado (54.33) threats that drive this elevated score.
Higher Risk Than Most Nebraska Counties
At 56.04, Clay County's composite risk score more than doubles the state average of 25.80, making it one of Nebraska's higher-risk counties. Wildfire and tornado risks are particularly acute compared to statewide averages, reflecting the county's position in a more hazard-prone zone.
Stands Out in South-Central Nebraska
Clay County's risk score of 56.04 significantly exceeds nearby Colfax County (28.63) and Cuming County (57.28), indicating elevated exposure across multiple hazard types. The county's wildfire risk (59.54) is substantially higher than its immediate neighbors.
Wildfire and Tornado Dominance
Wildfire risk (59.54) and tornado risk (54.33) are Clay County's primary natural disaster threats, each substantially above state averages. While flood risk remains modest at 15.20, the combination of wind-driven severe weather and wildfire exposure requires serious preparation.
Comprehensive Coverage Recommended
Clay County residents should ensure robust windstorm and comprehensive fire insurance coverage. Creating defensible space around your home—clearing brush and dead trees—is essential given the elevated wildfire risk, and a safe room or shelter plan for tornadoes is highly advisable.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clay County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clay County
Risk Verdict
Clay County's FEMA risk score places it at the 56th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Clay County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (16th percentile), flood (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Clay County sits at the 60th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Clay 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 54th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Clay 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
The Nebraska county average is 30.2 composite points below Clay County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Clay County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clay County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Clay County?
How does Clay County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Clay County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Clay 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.