Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#43
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
25th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, Nebraska
Jefferson County's extreme wildfire exposure
Jefferson County scores 24.11 on the composite risk scale, nearly matching Nebraska's average of 25.80, yet faces the state's most extreme wildfire risk at 72.96—among the highest in the nation. Tornado (50.48) is also notably elevated, while flood (25.00) and earthquake (11.10) remain moderate. The county's exceptional wildfire vulnerability makes it a significant natural disaster outlier despite its average composite score.
Highest wildfire risk in Nebraska
Jefferson County ranks in the middle tier for overall composite risk but stands out dramatically for wildfire exposure at 72.96—the highest-scoring wildfire risk of any Nebraska county. Tornado risk of 50.48 is also notably elevated, placing Jefferson in the state's upper tier for this hazard. The county's flood risk of 25.00 is the highest in this analysis, creating a multi-hazard profile focused on fire and water.
Highest wildfire of all counties analyzed
Jefferson County's wildfire risk of 72.96 dramatically exceeds all surrounding counties, including Holt County (70.45) to the north and Howard County (52.77) to the west. Tornado risk of 50.48 is also notably higher than most neighbors, matching Hamilton County (50.73). Jefferson County faces an exceptional fire exposure paired with elevated storm risk—the most hazard-prone county in this region.
Extreme wildfire; elevated tornado risk
Wildfire is an extreme and urgent threat, with a risk score of 72.96—the highest in Nebraska and among the nation's most dangerous counties for grassland and woodland fire. Tornado risk of 50.48 is the second-most significant hazard, compounded by flood exposure of 25.00. Residents face a multi-hazard environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Extensive wildfire protection essential
Jefferson County residents must immediately establish and maintain aggressive defensible space around homes, clearing all dead vegetation and fallen fuel within 150+ feet where possible. Comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wildfire, wind, hail, and flood damage is essential—consider separate wildfire and flood policies. Develop detailed evacuation plans for both fire and tornado events, and maintain emergency supplies ready for rapid departure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
Jefferson County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 24th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Jefferson County's favorable 24th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (25th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 73th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Jefferson County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 50th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Jefferson County residents.
Regional Context
Jefferson County tracks the Nebraska county average closely, sitting 1.7 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within Nebraska.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, NE?
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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.