Saline County Disaster Risk
Saline County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#21
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Saline County, Nebraska
Saline faces moderate disaster pressures
Saline County's composite risk score of 42.40 sits firmly in the 'Very Low' category but well above the national average, placing it among the more exposed counties. While still relatively safe, Saline residents face more natural hazard risk than most Americans.
Higher-risk profile than most Nebraska counties
At 42.40, Saline County exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80 and ranks in the upper third of the state's risk distribution. The county faces notably higher exposure to tornadoes, floods, and wildfires than typical Nebraska locations.
Riskier than surrounding agricultural counties
Saline County's score of 42.40 substantially exceeds neighboring Clay, Hamilton, and Fillmore counties' risk profiles. Its geographic position in central Nebraska exposes it to stronger convective storm activity than counties to the east or west.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate the hazard landscape
Tornado risk scores 69.02 and wildfire risk reaches 68.86, making these equally serious threats for Saline County residents. Flood risk of 38.61 adds a tertiary concern, particularly for properties near river bottoms or low-lying areas.
Comprehensive coverage protects against multiple threats
Saline County residents need robust windstorm and hail coverage—standard homeowners policies typically include this, but verify your protection explicitly. Consider flood insurance if you're in a mapped floodplain, and wildfire endorsements for acreage; comprehensive coverage is essential here.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Saline County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Saline County
Risk Verdict
Saline County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally. The 42th percentile national ranking is one lens; Saline County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Saline County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 69th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (39th percentile), earthquake (18th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 69th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Saline 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. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Saline County at the 69th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Saline 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 16.6 points above the Nebraska state average, Saline County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Nebraska county.
Is your household prepared for Saline County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Saline County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Saline County?
How does Saline County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Saline County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Saline 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.