Johnson County Disaster Risk
Johnson County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#72
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Johnson County, Nebraska
Johnson County's disaster risk
Johnson County scores 4.58 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating—well below the national average. This places the county among the safest in the nation for natural disaster exposure.
Safest county in Nebraska
Johnson County's composite risk of 4.58 is dramatically lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it one of the least vulnerable counties in the state. This favorable position reflects relatively low exposure across most hazard types.
Compared to nearby counties
Johnson County's risk profile stands out favorably against neighbors like Knox County (29.71) and Lincoln County (48.57), which face considerably higher composite risk. The county's insulation from major hazards gives it a clear advantage in the region.
Your top natural hazards
Wildfire risk is Johnson County's most significant concern at 77.54, though it remains manageable compared to state averages. Tornado risk (28.63) ranks second, but both hazards are relatively contained in this low-risk county.
Insurance for peace of mind
While Johnson County's overall risk is very low, wildfire and tornado coverage remains prudent for property owners. Standard homeowners insurance often excludes wildfire damage, so review your policy to ensure adequate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Johnson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Johnson County
Risk Verdict
Johnson County's overall natural disaster score at the 5th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 5th percentile, Johnson County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Johnson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (9th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 78th percentile nationally, Johnson County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Johnson County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 29th percentile nationally means Johnson County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Johnson County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Johnson County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Johnson County's composite risk score sits 21.2 points below the Nebraska county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Johnson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Johnson County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Johnson County?
How does Johnson County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Johnson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Johnson 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.