riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Cuming County Disaster Risk

Cuming County, Nebraska

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

57th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#12

of 93 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

49th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 86% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 71% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Cuming County, Nebraska

Cuming County's Elevated Risk Level

Cuming County carries a composite risk score of 57.28 with a Relatively Low rating, significantly exceeding the national average for natural disaster risk. Wildfire (86.39), tornado (71.41), and flood (49.20) risks all contribute substantially to this elevated profile.

One of Nebraska's Highest-Risk Counties

At 57.28, Cuming County's composite risk score is more than twice Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. The county's wildfire risk (86.39) is the highest among all hazards recorded and far exceeds regional norms.

Notably Riskier Than Surrounding Areas

Cuming County (57.28) faces substantially higher composite risk than neighboring Colfax County (28.63) and Cheyenne County (27.80), driven primarily by its extreme wildfire exposure. Its tornado risk (71.41) is also among the most severe in the state.

Wildfire, Tornado, and Flood Threats

Cuming County faces three major disaster threats: wildfire risk of 86.39 (among the state's highest), tornado risk of 71.41, and flood risk of 49.20. This multi-hazard exposure requires comprehensive preparation across all three threat categories.

Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Coverage

Cuming County residents must secure coverage for wildfire, tornado/windstorm, and flood risks—a rarer combination requiring careful policy review. Create a defensible space around your home, ensure structural reinforcement against high winds, and consider flood insurance if near low-lying areas.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Cuming County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    86th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    71th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    49th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Cuming County

Risk Verdict

With a national percentile rank of 57th, Cuming County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Cuming County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (49th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 86th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Cuming 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 71th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Cuming County residents.

Regional Context

At 31.5 points above the Nebraska state average, Cuming County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Nebraska county.

Is your household prepared for Cuming County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Cuming County, NE?
Cuming County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 57th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Cuming County?
Cuming County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (86th percentile), tornado (71th percentile), flooding (49th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 86th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Cuming County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Cuming County's composite risk percentile is 57th, compared to the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Cuming County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Nebraska.
Is Cuming County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Cuming County's wildfire risk is at the 86th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Cuming County is at the 49th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Cuming County higher risk than average?
Cuming County's composite risk score of 57th percentile is above the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by wildfire exposure (86th percentile), along with tornado risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.