Gage County Disaster Risk
Gage County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#22
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
32th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 79% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Gage County, Nebraska
Gage's risk remains well below national norms
Gage County's composite risk score of 40.55 places it in the very low category nationally, despite running 57% higher than Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This southeastern county avoids the extreme hazard concentrations seen in more disaster-prone U.S. regions.
Safest in its region among Nebraska peers
Gage ranks as one of Nebraska's safer counties overall, though its tornado and wildfire scores are notable within the state context. Its very low rating reflects relatively balanced risk distribution without any single dominant natural hazard.
Moderate hazards in a stable region
Gage sits alongside similarly low-risk neighbors like Johnson and Otoe counties in southeastern Nebraska. Its 40.55 score is slightly elevated by wildfire (78.94) and tornado exposure (78.40), both above state averages but manageable with proper preparation.
Wildfire and tornado demand attention
Wildfire risk (78.94) and tornado risk (78.40) are your primary concerns, both significantly elevated compared to the state baseline. Flood risk (32.44) rounds out your exposure profile, making this a county where diverse hazard awareness is important.
Cover tornadoes, wildfires, and floods
Your homeowner's policy should include wind damage coverage for tornadoes and a separate flood insurance policy to manage inundation risk. Defensible space around your home—clearing brush and dead trees—reduces wildfire vulnerability even in lower-ignition-frequency areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Gage County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Gage County
Risk Verdict
Gage County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 41th percentile nationally is an advantage for Gage County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Gage County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 79th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (32th percentile), earthquake (19th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 79th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Gage County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary tornado exposure at the 78th percentile nationally means Gage County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Gage County residents.
Regional Context
At 14.8 points above the Nebraska state average, Gage County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Nebraska county.
Is your household prepared for Gage County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Gage County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Gage County?
How does Gage County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Gage County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Gage 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.