Scotts Bluff County Disaster Risk
Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
64th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska
Scotts Bluff faces 'Relatively Low' risk
Scotts Bluff County's composite risk score of 63.84 places it in the 'Relatively Low' category, well above the national average. The county's elevated earthquake risk and wildfire exposure make it more hazardous than most U.S. counties despite its 'Relatively Low' rating.
Elevated risk profile for Nebraska
At 63.84, Scotts Bluff County substantially exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, ranking among the state's higher-risk counties. Its panhandle location and geological characteristics distinguish it from the rest of Nebraska.
Significantly riskier than neighboring panhandle counties
Scotts Bluff County's score of 63.84 dramatically exceeds those of Banner, Kimball, and Cheyenne counties in the panhandle. Its position at the base of the Scotts Bluff highlands and proximity to the North Platte River corridor create distinct hazard patterns.
Earthquakes and wildfires dominate the risk profile
Earthquake risk scores an exceptional 50.60—by far the highest in Nebraska—reflecting the county's proximity to seismic activity zones. Wildfire risk of 64.19 and tornado risk of 59.99 also pose significant threats, creating a multi-hazard environment uncommon in the state.
Address earthquake and wildfire coverage specifically
Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage; Scotts Bluff residents should strongly consider separate earthquake insurance given the county's exceptional risk. Verify windstorm and wildfire coverage in your policy; this county's unique hazard profile requires specialized attention.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Scotts Bluff County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Scotts Bluff County
Risk Verdict
Scotts Bluff County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Scotts Bluff County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Scotts Bluff County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (51th percentile), flood (48th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Scotts Bluff County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 64th percentile nationally. Scotts Bluff County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary tornado exposure at the 60th percentile nationally means Scotts Bluff County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Scotts Bluff County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Scotts Bluff County's composite risk score sits 38.0 points above the Nebraska county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Scotts Bluff County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Scotts Bluff County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Scotts Bluff County?
How does Scotts Bluff County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Scotts Bluff County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Scotts Bluff 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.