Merrick County Disaster Risk
Merrick County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Merrick County, Nebraska
Merrick County faces above-average multi-hazard exposure
Merrick County's composite risk score of 42.94 places it in the Relatively Low category but exceeds the national average. The county confronts meaningful exposure to tornadoes, wildfires, and floods simultaneously.
Merrick County among Nebraska's riskier areas
At 42.94, Merrick County scores well above Nebraska's 25.80 state average, ranking as the second-highest-risk county profiled here. It faces notably greater hazard exposure than most of its state peers.
Merrick County riskier than most neighbors
Merrick County's 42.94 score exceeds Morrill County (27.83), Nance County (21.66), and Nemaha County (13.39), though falls short of Madison County (60.88). It represents mid-tier risk within the region.
Tornadoes and wildfires lead hazard list
Merrick County's tornado risk (51.49) and wildfire risk (50.10) dominate its hazard profile, while flood risk (37.25) also presents meaningful exposure. These three hazards account for most of the county's composite risk.
Invest in comprehensive multi-hazard coverage
Merrick County residents should secure homeowners insurance covering tornadoes and wildfires, plus separate flood insurance as standard policies exclude water damage. Reinforced safe rooms and emergency plans are wise investments.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Merrick County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Merrick County
Risk Verdict
Merrick County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 43th percentile across all U.S. counties. Merrick County residents can take confidence from a 43th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Merrick County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), earthquake (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 51th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Merrick County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Merrick County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Merrick County at the 50th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. Merrick County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 17.1 points above the Nebraska state average puts Merrick County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Merrick County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Merrick County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Merrick County?
How does Merrick County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Merrick County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Merrick 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.