Lincoln County Disaster Risk
Lincoln County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#17
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 75% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County, Nebraska
Lincoln County's disaster risk
Lincoln County scores 48.57 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting above the national average. This reflects moderate-to-elevated exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes.
Higher-risk county in Nebraska
Lincoln County's composite risk of 48.57 significantly exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it one of the more vulnerable counties in the state. Tornado and wildfire risks particularly contribute to this above-average profile.
Compared to nearby counties
Lincoln County's risk (48.57) is substantially higher than Keith County (13.77), Johnson County (4.58), and Kearney County (30.95), but notably lower than Lancaster County (90.74). It ranks second-most vulnerable among the counties in this region.
Your top natural hazards
Tornado risk is Lincoln County's most significant hazard at 62.79, followed closely by wildfire risk at 74.62. Flood risk (48.47) and earthquake risk (31.81) represent secondary concerns, creating a diverse hazard profile.
Insurance for peace of mind
Lincoln County residents should prioritize tornado and wildfire coverage, as both hazards pose notably elevated risk compared to state and national averages. Review your policy to ensure comprehensive protection; standard homeowners policies often exclude tornadoes and wildfires.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lincoln County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lincoln County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Lincoln County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 49th percentile. The 49th percentile national ranking is one lens; Lincoln County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lincoln County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (48th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 75th percentile nationally, Lincoln 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 Lincoln County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 63th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Lincoln County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Lincoln County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Lincoln County is 22.8 composite risk points above the Nebraska average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Lincoln County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lincoln County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Lincoln County?
How does Lincoln County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Lincoln County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lincoln County higher risk than average?
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.