Nuckolls County Disaster Risk
Nuckolls County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
22th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nuckolls County, Nebraska
Nuckolls ranks well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 22.46, Nuckolls County sits firmly in the Very Low category, performing better than the national average. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties, though some specific hazards still warrant attention.
Among Nebraska's safer counties
Nuckolls County scores below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the lower half of risk among the state's 93 counties. This favorable position reflects relatively moderate hazard exposure across the board.
Safer than most surrounding areas
Neighboring Phelps County (39.15) and Polk County (25.70) face notably higher composite risks, while Nuckolls' score of 22.46 offers relative safety. Among nearby counties, only Perkins County (4.36) presents less overall risk.
Wildfire and tornado pose main threats
Wildfire risk scores 42.08 in Nuckolls County, substantially higher than the county's overall composite risk, making it the leading hazard concern. Tornado risk follows at 38.42, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal at 10.62 and 7.22 respectively.
Prepare for wind and fire damage
Homeowners should prioritize wind damage coverage for tornadoes and consider wildfire-resistant building improvements given the elevated wildfire risk scores. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage, but reviewing your policy's limits and deductibles ensures adequate protection against these primary threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nuckolls County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nuckolls County
Risk Verdict
Nuckolls County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 22th percentile nationally. At the 22th percentile nationally, Nuckolls County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Nuckolls County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 38th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (11th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Nuckolls County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 42th percentile nationally. Nuckolls County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's tornado exposure at the 38th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Nuckolls County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
At just 3.3 composite points from the Nebraska average, Nuckolls County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Nuckolls County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nuckolls County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Nuckolls County?
How does Nuckolls County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Nuckolls County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nuckolls 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.