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

Deuel County Disaster Risk

Deuel County, Nebraska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

4th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#74

of 93 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

3th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 3% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 38% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 17% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 9% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Deuel County, Nebraska

Deuel ranks among safest counties nationally

With a composite risk score of 4.04, Deuel County sits well below the national average and carries a Very Low risk rating. This means residents face significantly fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties.

One of Nebraska's lowest-risk counties

Deuel's score of 4.04 ranks it among the safest counties in Nebraska, where the state average sits at 25.80. This protective position reflects the county's geography and relative isolation from major hazard corridors.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Deuel County's risk score of 4.04 is notably lower than neighboring Cheyenne County and similar rural counties across the panhandle. Its low profile holds steady across most hazard categories, making it one of the region's more secure areas.

Wildfire remains the primary threat

Wildfire risk scores 38.42 in Deuel County, representing the most significant natural hazard residents face. While tornado risk (17.40) and earthquake risk (8.84) exist, they remain substantially lower than the county's wildfire exposure.

Focus wildfire coverage for peace of mind

Even in low-risk Deuel County, homeowners should verify that their insurance policies adequately cover wildfire damage, given the county's elevated wildfire score of 38.42. Review your policy annually and maintain defensible space around your property.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Deuel County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    38th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    17th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    9th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Deuel County

Risk Verdict

Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Deuel County ranks at the 4th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 4th percentile nationally, Deuel County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Deuel County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 38th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (9th percentile), flood (3th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Deuel County sits at the 38th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Deuel 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 17th percentile nationally means Deuel County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Deuel 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

At 21.8 points below the Nebraska state average, Deuel County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Is your household prepared for Deuel 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 Deuel County, NE?
Deuel County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 4th 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 Deuel County?
Deuel County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (38th percentile), tornado (17th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile), flooding (3th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 38th 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 Deuel County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Deuel County's composite risk percentile is 4th, compared to the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Deuel County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Nebraska.
Is Deuel County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Deuel County's wildfire risk is at the 38th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Deuel County is at the 3th 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.
Is Deuel County a safe place to live?
Deuel County's composite risk score of 4th percentile is below the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 38th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.