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

Dodge County Disaster Risk

Dodge County, Nebraska

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

67th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#6

of 93 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

67th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 67% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 70% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 84% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 24% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 0% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Dodge County, Nebraska

Dodge faces elevated disaster risk nationwide

Dodge County's composite risk score of 67.40 exceeds the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating, indicating moderate natural disaster exposure. This places the county in a more hazardous category than most American counties.

High-risk leader in Nebraska

Dodge County scores 67.40—more than double Nebraska's state average of 25.80—making it one of the state's riskier counties. This elevated exposure reflects the county's geographic position and susceptibility to multiple hazard types.

Dodge significantly outpaces regional peers

With a score of 67.40, Dodge County faces substantially higher risk than most neighboring counties in eastern Nebraska. Its position along the Platte River and exposure to severe weather corridors contribute to this elevated profile.

Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires converge here

Dodge County residents face significant threats from tornadoes (84.22), flooding (67.33), and wildfires (70.32)—a convergence of three major hazards. Earthquake risk (24.30) adds a secondary concern, though it remains lower than the primary trio.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Given Dodge County's tornado score of 84.22 and flood risk of 67.33, homeowners need robust coverage for all major hazards. Bundle flood insurance with standard coverage, secure a safe room or basement shelter, and conduct annual policy reviews to ensure adequate protection.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Dodge County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    84th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    70th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    67th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Dodge County

Risk Verdict

With a national percentile rank of 67th, Dodge County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Dodge County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (67th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 84th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Dodge County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 70th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Dodge County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Dodge County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.

Regional Context

At 41.6 points above the Nebraska state average, Dodge County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Nebraska county.

Is your household prepared for Dodge 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 Dodge County, NE?
Dodge County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 67th 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 Dodge County?
Dodge County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (84th percentile), wildfire (70th percentile), flooding (67th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 84th 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 Dodge County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Dodge County's composite risk percentile is 67th, compared to the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Dodge County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Nebraska.
Is Dodge County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Dodge County's tornado risk is at the 84th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Dodge County is at the 67th 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.
Why is Dodge County higher risk than average?
Dodge County's composite risk score of 67th percentile is above the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (84th percentile), along with wildfire and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.