Otoe County Disaster Risk
Otoe County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
18th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#53
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
21th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Otoe County, Nebraska
Otoe's low risk significantly beats national average
Otoe County's composite risk score of 18.00 ranks in the Very Low category, placing it well below the national average. This strong performance indicates residents face fewer natural disaster threats than the typical American county.
Among the safest in Nebraska
Otoe County's score of 18.00 ranks notably below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. This favorable position reflects balanced hazard exposure with no dominant catastrophic threats.
Lower risk than adjacent counties
Otoe County's 18.00 score sits below neighboring Pawnee County (3.85), though Pawnee holds the most exceptional safety rating in the region. Most surrounding counties score between 22 and 39, making Otoe one of the area's more favorable locations.
Wildfire and tornado dominate hazard profile
Wildfire risk scores notably high at 67.49, and tornado risk follows at 50.38, making these the two primary concerns in Otoe County. Flood risk (21.12) and earthquake risk (11.29) remain manageable, while hurricane risk is essentially zero.
Prioritize wind and fire insurance coverage
With wildfire and tornado risks significantly elevated relative to other hazards, ensure your homeowners policy provides adequate wind damage coverage and consider wildfire mitigation improvements. Check your deductibles and coverage limits to guarantee protection against these two main threats to your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Otoe County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Otoe County
Risk Verdict
At the 18th percentile nationally, Otoe County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. The 18th percentile national ranking is one lens; Otoe County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Otoe County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (21th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Otoe County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Otoe County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 50th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Otoe County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 7.8 points below the Nebraska state average puts Otoe County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Otoe County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Otoe County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Otoe County?
How does Otoe County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Otoe County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Otoe 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.