Harlan County Disaster Risk
Harlan County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
32th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
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 35% 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 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harlan County, Nebraska
Harlan County's modest national risk profile
Harlan County scores 32.03 on the composite risk scale, only slightly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, and is rated Very Low nationally. Tornado and wildfire risks are the main contributors, both in the 35-point range, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal. Compared to the most hazard-prone U.S. counties, Harlan remains in a relatively safe position overall.
Lower risk than many Nebraska neighbors
Harlan County ranks below the middle of Nebraska's 93 counties in overall natural disaster risk, with a composite score only 24% above the state average. Its tornado risk of 35.81 is moderate for the state, while its wildfire risk of 35.02 reflects the semi-arid landscape typical of southwestern Nebraska. The county's flood risk of just 9.26 is among the lowest in the state.
Lower tornado risk than Hamilton County
Harlan County's composite risk of 32.03 sits below its eastern neighbor Hamilton County (42.62) but slightly exceeds Hitchcock County to the south (6.84). Tornado exposure is notably lower here than in Hamilton (35.81 vs. 50.73), reflecting less favorable atmospheric patterns. Wildfire risk is comparable across all three counties, around 28–35 points.
Tornado and wildfire demand equal attention
Tornado risk (35.81) and wildfire risk (35.02) are nearly equal threats to Harlan County residents, both substantially outpacing flood (9.26) and earthquake (6.93) hazards. The combination of these two risks means residents face both seasonal storm and grassland fire exposure. Earthquake risk is negligible at 6.93.
Prepare for tornadoes and wildfires
Harlan County residents should establish a tornado shelter plan and maintain homeowners insurance with wind/hail riders for severe weather protection. If you live in rural or grassland areas, create defensible space around your home by clearing brush and dead vegetation to reduce wildfire exposure. A multi-hazard emergency kit covering both storm and fire scenarios is essential.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harlan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harlan County
Risk Verdict
Harlan County's overall natural disaster score at the 32th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Residents of Harlan County can use the 32th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Harlan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 36th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (9th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 36th percentile nationally, Harlan County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 35th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Harlan County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Harlan County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Harlan County is 6.2 composite risk points above the Nebraska average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Harlan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harlan County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Harlan County?
How does Harlan County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Harlan County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Harlan 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.