Phelps County Disaster Risk
Phelps County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
17th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Phelps County, Nebraska
Phelps County's tornado risk stands out
With a composite risk score of 39.15, Phelps County ranks in the Very Low category but sits well above the national average. The county's risk profile is dominated by a single hazard that creates this elevated score.
Above-average risk within Nebraska
Phelps County's score of 39.15 exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the upper half of the state's risk rankings. This elevation is driven primarily by tornado vulnerability rather than broad hazard exposure.
Higher tornado risk than most neighbors
Phelps County's 39.15 score exceeds most surrounding counties, particularly Nuckolls (22.46) and Perkins (4.36), making it one of the region's more hazard-prone areas. Only Platte County (70.58) presents notably greater overall risk.
Tornado risk dominates the hazard picture
Tornado risk scores 45.01 in Phelps County, far exceeding all other hazards and driving the county's composite score. Earthquake (13.61) and flood (17.02) risks remain secondary, while wildfire (7.86) presents minimal concern.
Prioritize tornado-resistant construction
Phelps County residents should invest in tornado safety features like reinforced safe rooms or interior bathroom refuges, as tornado risk substantially outpaces all other hazards. Ensure your homeowners insurance includes comprehensive wind damage coverage and understand your policy's tornado-related provisions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Phelps County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Phelps County
Risk Verdict
Phelps County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 39th percentile nationally. At the 39th percentile, Phelps County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Phelps County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (14th percentile), wildfire (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 45th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Phelps County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary flood hazard at the 17th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Phelps County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Phelps County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 13.4 points above the Nebraska state average, Phelps County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Nebraska county.
Is your household prepared for Phelps County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Phelps County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Phelps County?
How does Phelps County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Phelps County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Phelps 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.