Holt County Disaster Risk
Holt County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
17th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Holt County, Nebraska
Holt County's elevated wildfire exposure
Holt County scores 17.21 on the composite risk scale, moderately below Nebraska's average of 25.80, yet faces distinctly elevated wildfire risk at 70.45—among the highest in the state. Tornado (38.93) and earthquake (21.60) risks are also notable, while flood risk remains low at 10.81. The county's wildfire vulnerability stands out as an exceptional hazard concern in an otherwise moderate-risk area.
Highest wildfire risk in this region
Holt County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties for overall composite risk, but its wildfire score of 70.45 is extraordinarily high—the county faces one of the most severe wildfire exposures in the entire state. Tornado risk of 38.93 compounds the exposure, placing Holt County in an unusual hazard profile dominated by fire. Flood risk is minimal, offering little offsetting danger from water-based hazards.
Wildfire risk far exceeds nearby counties
Holt County's wildfire risk of 70.45 dramatically exceeds all neighbors: Hamilton County (28.40), Howard County (52.77), and Jefferson County (72.96). The county's composite risk of 17.21 is lower than Hamilton (42.62) and Howard (24.20), but its wildfire vulnerability is exceptional within this region. Tornado risk of 38.93 is moderately elevated compared to neighbors, creating a dual fire-and-storm exposure pattern.
Wildfire dominates; tornado secondary
Wildfire is by far the dominant natural disaster threat to Holt County, with an extreme risk score of 70.45—nearly double the tornado risk of 38.93. Grassland and woodland fires pose a serious threat to property and life across the county. Earthquake and flood risks remain minimal in comparison.
Prioritize wildfire protection measures
Holt County residents must create and maintain extensive defensible space around homes, clearing all dead vegetation, fallen branches, and fuel sources within at least 100 feet. Ensure homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage, and develop an evacuation plan specific to grass and forest fires. Regular property inspections and vegetation management are essential given the county's elevated exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Holt County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Holt County
Risk Verdict
At the 17th percentile nationally, Holt County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 17th percentile nationally, Holt County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Holt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (22th percentile), flood (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Holt County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Holt County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 39th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Holt 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
A composite score 8.6 points below the Nebraska state average puts Holt County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Holt County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Holt County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Holt County?
How does Holt County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Holt County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Holt 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.