Red Willow County Disaster Risk
Red Willow County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
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 24% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Red Willow County, Nebraska
Red Willow ranks well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 20.29, Red Willow County sits firmly in the 'Very Low' category, well below the national average. This means residents face substantially lower exposure to natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.
Safer than average for Nebraska
Red Willow's score of 20.29 is notably lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the lower half of risk among the state's 93 counties. The county benefits from a natural disaster profile gentler than most of its peers.
One of the region's safest counties
Red Willow's risk profile compares favorably to adjacent counties in southwestern Nebraska, particularly against Furnas and Hitchcock counties. Rock County stands as the state's lowest-risk county overall, while Red Willow holds its own as a relatively secure location.
Tornadoes and wildfires pose the most concern
Tornado risk scores 40.97 and wildfire risk reaches 23.95, making these the county's primary natural hazards. Flooding presents a lower but still measurable threat with a risk score of 10.91, typical for southwestern Nebraska's landscape.
Secure coverage for wind and fire threats
Standard homeowners insurance typically covers tornado and hail damage, but verify your windstorm coverage applies to your property. Consider separate wildfire insurance or endorsements, especially if you own acreage or live near grassland—protection matters even in low-risk areas when severe events strike.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Red Willow County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Red Willow County
Risk Verdict
At the 20th percentile nationally, Red Willow County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 20th percentile score positions Red Willow County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Red Willow County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 41th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 24th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (13th percentile), flood (11th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Red Willow County ranks at the 41th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Red Willow County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Red Willow County at the 24th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. Red Willow County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 5.5 points below the Nebraska state average puts Red Willow County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Red Willow County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Red Willow County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Red Willow County?
How does Red Willow County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Red Willow County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Red Willow 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.