riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Platte County Disaster Risk

Platte County, Nebraska

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

71th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#5

of 93 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

61th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 61% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 62% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 26% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Platte County, Nebraska

Platte County faces elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 70.58, Platte County ranks in the Relatively Low category but sits well above the national average. This elevated exposure is driven by significant tornado and flood vulnerabilities affecting the region.

Nebraska's highest-risk county

Platte County's score of 70.58 significantly exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it the highest-risk county in the state. This stands in sharp contrast to most Nebraska counties, which cluster well below the national average.

Far exceeds surrounding county risk levels

Platte County's 70.58 score dramatically surpasses all neighboring counties—most of which score below 40—making it an outlier in the region. Even Phelps County (39.15), the next-highest nearby, presents substantially lower risk.

Tornado and flood threats dominate

Tornado risk scores exceptionally high at 90.90 and flood risk reaches 60.72, making these by far the county's primary concerns. Wildfire (61.93) and earthquake (25.99) risks also elevate the county's profile above most Nebraska areas.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Platte County residents must prioritize robust homeowners insurance with strong wind and flood coverage, as tornado and flood risks substantially exceed state norms. Consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if you're in a flood-prone zone, and invest in tornado safety features like reinforced rooms or safe spaces.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Platte County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    62th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    61th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Platte County

Risk Verdict

At the 71th percentile nationally, Platte County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Platte County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Platte County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (61th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Platte County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 91th percentile nationally. In Platte County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 62th percentile nationally means Platte County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Platte County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Platte County households.

Regional Context

Platte County falls 44.8 points above Nebraska's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Platte County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Platte County, NE?
Platte County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 71th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Platte County?
Platte County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (91th percentile), wildfire (62th percentile), flooding (61th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 91th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Platte County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Platte County's composite risk percentile is 71th, compared to the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Platte County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Nebraska.
Is Platte County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Platte County's tornado risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Platte County is at the 61th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Platte County higher risk than average?
Platte County's composite risk score of 71th percentile is above the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (91th percentile), along with wildfire and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Dodge County

Nebraska

-3.2

Relatively Low

67th percentile

Hall County

Nebraska

+3.7

Relatively Low

74th percentile

Buffalo County

Nebraska

-4.6

Relatively Low

66th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

Explore more data for Platte County

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateIncomeHealthSchoolsWater QualityWeatherCounty Score