Custer County Disaster Risk
Custer County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
43th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Custer County, Nebraska
Custer County's Very Low Risk Rating
Custer County has a composite risk score of 27.99 and a Very Low rating, placing it near the national average for natural disaster exposure. However, wildfire (82.32) and tornado (50.32) risks are notably elevated despite the overall low composite score.
Below-Average Risk in Nebraska
At 27.99, Custer County ranks slightly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it among the state's safer counties overall. The county's composite score masks significant regional wildfire exposure that warrants attention.
Mixed Hazard Profile Regionally
Custer County (27.99) is safer overall than Cuming County (57.28) but faces higher wildfire risk (82.32) than most regional neighbors. Its tornado risk (50.32) is moderate compared to surrounding counties, providing some relative protection against severe convective weather.
Wildfire and Tornado Primary Concerns
Wildfire risk dominates Custer County with a score of 82.32—among the state's highest—while tornado risk (50.32) presents secondary exposure. Flood risk remains manageable at 43.48, allowing residents to concentrate preparation on fire and wind events.
Prioritize Fire and Storm Insurance
Custer County residents should prioritize comprehensive fire and windstorm insurance given the county's extreme wildfire exposure. Maintaining defensible space around your home—removing dead vegetation and dead trees—is critical, particularly in grassland and prairie areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Custer County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Custer County
Risk Verdict
Custer County's overall natural disaster score at the 28th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Custer County residents can take confidence from a 28th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Custer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (43th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 82th percentile nationally, Custer 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 Custer County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 50th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Custer County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Custer County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Custer County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Nebraska county average, with a 2.2-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Custer County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Custer County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Custer County?
How does Custer County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Custer County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Custer 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.