Hooker County Disaster Risk
Hooker County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
0th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#87
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
1th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 1% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% 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 Hooker County, Nebraska
Hooker County among America's safest
Hooker County scores just 0.35 on the composite risk scale, ranking it among the absolute safest counties in the United States. Every hazard category is minimal: flood (1.18), tornado (11.58), earthquake (4.87), and wildfire (40.49) all remain well below concerning thresholds. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's isolated Great Plains location with minimal natural disaster exposure.
Nebraska's second-safest county
Hooker County's composite score of 0.35 is the second-lowest in all of Nebraska, trailing only Hayes County (1.24) and dramatically below the state average of 25.80. Tornado, flood, and earthquake risks are all negligible, each scoring below 12 points. Even wildfire exposure, the county's highest-scoring hazard at 40.49, remains manageable and well below dangerous levels.
Safest county in this cluster
Hooker County's composite risk of 0.35 is dramatically lower than all surrounding counties, including Harlan County (32.03) to the east and Hitchcock County (6.84) to the south. Its tornado risk of 11.58 is the lowest in the region, and earthquake exposure is minimal at 4.87. Hooker County represents an exceptional pocket of natural disaster safety in northwestern Nebraska.
Wildfire only marginal concern
Wildfire is the only natural disaster with any measurable risk to Hooker County residents, scoring 40.49, though this remains below typical national concern levels. Tornado (11.58), earthquake (4.87), and flood (1.18) risks are all negligible. Most residents face minimal exposure to significant natural hazards.
Basic wildfire prevention suffices
Hooker County residents should maintain modest defensible space around homes by removing dead vegetation and keeping gutters clear, though the county's wildfire exposure is relatively low. Standard homeowners insurance is generally adequate for the overall disaster risk in this area. Annual property maintenance and situational awareness are sufficient for most households.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hooker County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hooker County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Hooker County ranks at the 0th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. The 0th percentile national ranking is one lens; Hooker County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hooker County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 12th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (5th percentile), flood (1th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hooker County sits at the 40th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Hooker 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 12th percentile nationally means Hooker County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Hooker 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 25.4 points below the Nebraska state average, Hooker County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Hooker County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hooker County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Hooker County?
How does Hooker County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Hooker County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hooker 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.