Franklin County Disaster Risk
Franklin County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
32th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Franklin County, Nebraska
Franklin's risk moderately exceeds national norms
Franklin County's composite risk score of 32.22 slightly exceeds the national average with a Very Low rating. This modest elevation reflects moderate exposure to natural hazards compared to most American counties.
Slightly above average within Nebraska
Franklin County scores 32.22, modestly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the mid-range of state risk profiles. This position reflects the county's south-central location with moderate multi-hazard exposure.
Moderate risk typical of the region
Franklin County's score of 32.22 sits in the middle tier of south-central Nebraska counties, with some neighbors scoring higher and others lower. The county represents a balanced profile for the region.
Wildfires and tornadoes merit preparation
Wildfire risk scores 40.62 and tornado risk reaches 32.25 in Franklin County, representing the top two hazard concerns. Flood risk (9.48) and earthquake risk (5.41) remain substantially lower than these primary threats.
Secure tornado and wildfire coverage
Franklin County homeowners should ensure policies cover tornadoes (32.25) and wildfires (40.62), the county's most significant hazards. Maintain defensible space around your property and review your wind/hail coverage annually.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Franklin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Franklin County
Risk Verdict
At the 32th percentile nationally, Franklin County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Franklin County residents can take confidence from a 32th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Franklin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (9th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Franklin County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Franklin County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 32th percentile nationally means Franklin County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Franklin County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other Nebraska counties, Franklin County runs 6.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Franklin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Franklin County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Franklin County?
How does Franklin County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Franklin County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Franklin 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.