Dawson County Disaster Risk
Dawson County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
44th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dawson County, Nebraska
Dawson County's High Risk Profile
Dawson County has a composite risk score of 65.30 with a Relatively Low rating, significantly exceeding the national average for natural disaster exposure. Tornado (72.68), wildfire (65.71), and flood (43.61) risks all contribute meaningfully to this elevated profile.
Among Nebraska's Highest-Risk Counties
At 65.30, Dawson County's composite risk score is nearly 2.5 times Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. The county's tornado risk (72.68) ranks among the highest in the state.
Significantly Riskier Than Peers
Dawson County (65.30) faces substantially higher composite risk than all regional neighbors in this group, surpassing Cuming County (57.28) and Clay County (56.04). Its tornado exposure (72.68) is particularly severe compared to surrounding areas.
Tornado, Wildfire, and Flood Exposure
Tornado risk (72.68) is Dawson County's primary threat, followed closely by wildfire (65.71) and flood (43.61) risks. This multi-hazard exposure is among the most severe in Nebraska, requiring comprehensive preparation across all three categories.
Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Protection
Dawson County residents must secure robust coverage for tornado/windstorm, wildfire, and flood risks—unusual for Nebraska. A safe room or storm shelter is essential, flood insurance should be evaluated based on property location, and defensible space around structures is critical.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dawson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dawson County
Risk Verdict
Dawson County ranks at the 65th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Dawson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (44th percentile), earthquake (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dawson County ranks at the 73th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Dawson County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 66th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Dawson County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Dawson County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
Compared to other Nebraska counties, Dawson County runs 39.5 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Dawson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dawson County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Dawson County?
How does Dawson County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Dawson County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dawson 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.