Hitchcock County Disaster Risk
Hitchcock County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#68
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
Very Low
Higher than 31% 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 5% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hitchcock County, Nebraska
Hitchcock County remains very low risk
Hitchcock County scores 6.84 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below the national median and in the Very Low risk category. All major hazards remain modest: tornado (24.55), wildfire (31.36), flood (5.69), and earthquake (4.58) each fall well short of the dangerous thresholds. This safety profile reflects the county's southern Nebraska location with favorable geography.
Among Nebraska's lowest-risk counties
Hitchcock County ranks in the safest quartile of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a composite score of just 6.84—less than one-quarter the state average of 25.80. Tornado risk of 24.55 is the highest exposure here, but remains below state average. The county's flood, earthquake, and overall disaster vulnerability are exceptionally low.
Safer than Hamilton and Harlan
Hitchcock County's composite risk of 6.84 is substantially lower than Hamilton County (42.62) and Harlan County (32.03) to the east, though slightly higher than Hayes County (1.24) to the west. Tornado risk of 24.55 is the lowest among this group, reflecting different storm patterns in southwestern Nebraska. The county's overall safety advantage is marked compared to its eastern neighbors.
Wildfire and tornado secondary concerns
Wildfire is the primary natural disaster risk at 31.36, followed by tornado at 24.55, both scoring below state averages. Flood risk (5.69) and earthquake risk (4.58) are negligible for most residents. Overall, Hitchcock County faces substantially lower hazard exposure than most of Nebraska.
Wildfire preparedness is key priority
Hitchcock County residents should maintain defensible space around homes by clearing brush and dead vegetation to minimize wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance is generally adequate given the low overall disaster risk, though wind/hail riders provide extra protection during severe weather. Develop a basic family emergency plan focusing on wildfire evacuation routes if you live in rural areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hitchcock County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hitchcock County
Risk Verdict
Hitchcock County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 7th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 7th percentile nationally is an advantage for Hitchcock County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hitchcock County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 31th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 25th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (6th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Hitchcock County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 31th percentile nationally. Hitchcock County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's tornado exposure at the 25th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Hitchcock County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Nebraska county average exceeds Hitchcock County's score by 19.0 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Hitchcock County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hitchcock County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Hitchcock County?
How does Hitchcock County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Hitchcock County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hitchcock County a safe place to live?
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.