Dawes County Disaster Risk
Dawes County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#70
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
6th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dawes County, Nebraska
Dawes County's Exceptionally Low Risk
Dawes County has the lowest composite risk score in this group at 5.57 and a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average for natural disaster risk. This remarkably low score reflects minimal exposure across most hazard categories, with flood risk nearly nonexistent at 6.11.
Nebraska's Safest County Profile
At 5.57, Dawes County's composite risk is far below Nebraska's state average of 25.80—less than one-quarter the statewide benchmark. The county stands out as one of the state's safest communities for natural disaster preparedness.
Dramatically Safer Than Region
Dawes County (5.57) is substantially safer than any neighboring county in this group, including Custer County (27.99) and Dakota County (36.01). Its exceptionally low risk profile reflects a unique geographic and climatic position offering extraordinary protection.
Minimal Disaster Risk Overall
Dawes County faces minimal natural disaster risk across all categories, with tornado (21.56) as the highest single-hazard score. Wildfire risk (81.30) appears elevated but contributes only modestly to the composite score due to other offsetting factors.
Standard Coverage Sufficient
Dawes County residents can maintain standard homeowners insurance with standard coverage limits, as disaster risk is exceptionally low. Basic home maintenance and routine inspections provide adequate protection in this low-risk environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dawes County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dawes County
Risk Verdict
Dawes County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 6th percentile nationally. A 6th percentile score positions Dawes County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Dawes County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 81th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (22th percentile), flood (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Dawes County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 81th percentile nationally. Dawes 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. The county's earthquake exposure at the 25th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Dawes 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 Dawes County's score by 20.2 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Dawes County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dawes County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Dawes County?
How does Dawes County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Dawes County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Dawes 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.