Howard County Disaster Risk
Howard County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
15th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 53% 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 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Howard County, Nebraska
Howard County's moderate overall risk
Howard County scores 24.20 on the composite risk scale, nearly identical to Nebraska's average of 25.80, placing it in the Very Low risk category nationally. Wildfire (52.77) and tornado (35.88) are the primary hazards, while flood (14.73) and earthquake (8.14) remain secondary. The county's risk profile is representative of central Nebraska's typical natural disaster exposure.
Typical risk for central Nebraska
Howard County ranks near the middle of Nebraska's 93 counties for overall disaster risk, with a composite score almost exactly equal to the state average of 25.80. Wildfire risk of 52.77 is notably elevated, placing the county in the upper range of state wildfire exposure. Tornado risk of 35.88 is moderate compared to neighboring counties, creating a balanced dual-hazard profile.
Lower tornado risk than Hamilton
Howard County's composite risk of 24.20 is substantially lower than Hamilton County (42.62) to the east but higher than Hayes County (1.24) to the west. Wildfire risk of 52.77 exceeds all immediate neighbors except Jefferson County (72.96) to the south. Tornado risk of 35.88 is lower than Hamilton's 50.73, reflecting safer atmospheric patterns in this area.
Wildfire and tornado co-equal threats
Wildfire is the dominant hazard with a risk score of 52.77, substantially outpacing tornado (35.88) as Howard County's primary natural disaster concern. Tornado remains a meaningful secondary threat, making the county vulnerable to both grassland fire and severe storm exposure. Flood and earthquake risks are minimal.
Prepare for wildfire and severe weather
Howard County residents should create extensive defensible space around homes by clearing brush and dead vegetation, given the elevated wildfire exposure. Ensure homeowners insurance includes wind/hail coverage for tornado and severe storm damage, and maintain a weather emergency plan. For rural residents, develop a wildfire evacuation route and keep property access roads clear.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Howard County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Howard County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Howard County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 24th percentile. Even at the 24th percentile, Howard County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Howard County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 53th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 36th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (15th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 53th percentile nationally for wildfire, Howard County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 36th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Howard County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Howard County's composite risk score is within 1.6 points of the Nebraska county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Howard County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Howard County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Howard County?
How does Howard County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Howard County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Howard 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.