Pierce County Disaster Risk
Pierce County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
14th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#56
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
20th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% 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
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pierce County, Nebraska
Pierce County sits well below national risk
Pierce County's composite risk score of 14.19 places it solidly in the Very Low category, performing better than the national average. This favorable position indicates residents face fewer disaster threats than most American counties.
Lower risk than state average
Pierce County's score of 14.19 sits well below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's safer counties. This below-average profile reflects moderate hazard exposure without dominant catastrophic threats.
Safer than most surrounding area
Pierce County's 14.19 score ranks better than most surrounding counties, particularly those scoring above 25, making it one of the region's relatively safer locations. Only the exceptional counties like Perkins (4.36) and Pawnee (3.85) present notably lower risk.
Wildfire and tornado are main concerns
Wildfire risk scores 67.14 and tornado risk scores 41.60, making these Pierce County's primary natural disaster threats. Flood (20.45), earthquake (8.33), and hurricane risks remain relatively minimal.
Focus on wind and fire coverage
Given wildfire and tornado risks substantially outpace other hazards, ensure your homeowners policy provides robust wind damage coverage and evaluate wildfire mitigation measures around your property. Review your coverage limits and deductibles to confirm adequate protection against these two main threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pierce County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pierce County
Risk Verdict
Pierce County's overall natural disaster score at the 14th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Pierce County's 14th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pierce County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (20th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 67th percentile nationally, Pierce County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Pierce County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 42th percentile nationally means Pierce County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Pierce County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Pierce County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Pierce County's composite risk score sits 11.6 points below the Nebraska county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Pierce County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pierce County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Pierce County?
How does Pierce County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Pierce County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pierce 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.