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

Greeley County Disaster Risk

Greeley County, Nebraska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

13th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#64

of 93 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

6th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 6% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 25% 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 Greeley County, Nebraska

Greeley County remains very low risk

Greeley County's composite risk score of 12.69 is less than half Nebraska's state average of 25.80 and places it firmly in the very low risk category nationally. This north-central county avoids the concentrated hazard exposure found in many U.S. regions.

Among Nebraska's safer counties

Greeley ranks well below the state median for composite risk, benefiting from low exposure to flooding and earthquakes. Its score is elevated primarily by moderate wildfire and tornado exposure typical of the central panhandle region.

Low-risk panhandle community

Greeley sits in Nebraska's lower-risk tier, with composite risk well below neighboring eastern counties. Its 12.69 score reflects the stable panhandle geography shared with other northwestern counties.

Wildfire and tornado are primary concerns

Wildfire risk (47.77) and tornado risk (24.71) are your leading exposures, both moderate but manageable with preparedness. Flooding (5.76) and earthquake (3.94) risks remain minimal.

Plan for wind and fire season

Ensure your homeowner's policy includes comprehensive wind coverage to address tornado risk in Greeley County. Clearing brush and dead vegetation around your home provides additional wildfire protection during dry seasons.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Greeley County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    48th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    25th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    6th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Greeley County

Risk Verdict

Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Greeley County ranks at the 13th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 13th percentile, Greeley County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Greeley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (6th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Greeley County sits at the 48th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Greeley 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 25th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Greeley 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 13.1 points below the Nebraska state average, Greeley County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Is your household prepared for Greeley 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 Greeley County, NE?
Greeley County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 13th 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 Greeley County?
Greeley County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (48th percentile), tornado (25th percentile), flooding (6th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 48th 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 Greeley County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Greeley County's composite risk percentile is 13th, compared to the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Greeley County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Nebraska.
Is Greeley County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Greeley County's wildfire risk is at the 48th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Greeley County is at the 6th 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 Greeley County a safe place to live?
Greeley County's composite risk score of 13th 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 48th 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.