Madison County Disaster Risk
Madison County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
61th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Madison County, Nebraska
Madison County faces elevated multi-hazard risk
Madison County's composite risk score of 60.88 places it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national baseline. The county grapples with exposure to tornadoes, wildfires, and flooding simultaneously, making it Nebraska's riskiest county profiled here.
Madison County: Nebraska's hazard hotspot
Madison County scores 60.88, more than double Nebraska's state average of 25.80, ranking it as the highest-risk county among those profiled. This composite score reflects significant exposure across multiple natural hazard types.
Madison County outpaces all regional counterparts
Madison County's risk score of 60.88 is substantially higher than Merrick County (42.94), Morrill County (27.83), and all other neighboring counties. It stands distinctly as the region's most hazard-exposed area.
Tornadoes, wildfires, and floods create triple threat
Madison County faces significant tornado risk (83.08), wildfire risk (79.74), and flood risk (62.75)—the three highest scores among Nebraska counties profiled. This convergence of hazards demands comprehensive preparedness planning.
Triple-threat insurance: essential, not optional
Homeowners in Madison County should carry comprehensive policies covering tornadoes, wildfires, and flooding—including separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude water damage. Regular roof inspections and storm shelter access are critical investments.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Madison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Madison County
Risk Verdict
Madison County's FEMA risk score places it at the 61th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Madison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 80th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (63th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado exposure at the 83th percentile nationally makes Madison County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 80th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Madison County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. In Madison County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.
Regional Context
The Nebraska county average is 35.1 composite points below Madison County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Madison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Madison County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Madison County?
How does Madison County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Madison County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Madison 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.