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

Dixon County Disaster Risk

Dixon County, Nebraska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

9th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#66

of 93 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

12th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 36% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 4% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Dixon County, Nebraska

Dixon's risk profile outperforms national norms

Dixon County's composite risk score of 8.84 places it well below the national average with a Very Low risk rating. Residents here enjoy substantially lower exposure to natural disasters than the typical American county.

Among Nebraska's safest communities

With a score of 8.84, Dixon County ranks as one of Nebraska's lowest-risk areas compared to the state average of 25.80. This protective position reflects the county's geographic advantages and lower hazard intensity.

Competitive risk levels across the northeast

Dixon County's score of 8.84 compares favorably to surrounding counties in northeast Nebraska, though some neighbors experience notably higher tornado and flood risks. The county benefits from a balanced hazard profile that avoids extreme exposure in any single category.

Tornado and wildfire deserve attention

Tornado risk scores 35.62 and wildfire risk reaches 67.65 in Dixon County—the two hazards that merit careful planning. Flood risk (12.47) presents a minor concern, while earthquake exposure (3.72) remains minimal.

Prioritize tornado and wildfire insurance

Dixon County homeowners should ensure their policies provide strong coverage for tornadoes (35.62 risk) and wildfires (67.65 risk). Test your home's weather safety with an annual preparedness review and identify your closest safe shelter.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Dixon County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    68th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    36th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    12th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Dixon County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Dixon County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 9th percentile. The 9th percentile national ranking is one lens; Dixon County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Dixon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (12th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 68th percentile nationally for wildfire, Dixon County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 36th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Dixon County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.

Regional Context

Dixon County is 17.0 composite risk points below the Nebraska state mean, meaning most other Nebraska counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Dixon 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 Dixon County, NE?
Dixon County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 9th 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 Dixon County?
Dixon County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (68th percentile), tornado (36th percentile), flooding (12th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 68th 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 Dixon County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Dixon County's composite risk percentile is 9th, compared to the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Dixon County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Nebraska.
Is Dixon County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Dixon County's wildfire risk is at the 68th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Dixon County is at the 12th 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 Dixon County a safe place to live?
Dixon County's composite risk score of 9th 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 68th 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.