Seward County Disaster Risk
Seward County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
25th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
23th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Seward County, Nebraska
Seward sits slightly below national average
Seward County's composite risk score of 24.87 falls in the 'Very Low' category and slightly underperforms the national average. Residents face relatively modest natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties, positioning Seward as a safer-than-average location.
Marginally safer than Nebraska overall
At 24.87, Seward County falls just slightly below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the lower-middle portion of the state's risk distribution. The county presents a nearly average hazard profile compared to other Nebraska locations.
Comparable to surrounding central-eastern counties
Seward County's risk score of 24.87 aligns closely with neighboring York, Thayer, and Fillmore counties. Its location in south-central Nebraska provides relative stability compared to higher-risk counties to the east or south.
Wildfire and tornado risks are the primary hazards
Wildfire and tornado risks score nearly identically at 72.07 and 59.92 respectively, making them Seward County's dominant natural threats. Flood risk of 22.96 presents a minor secondary concern for properties near drainage areas or river bottoms.
Ensure windstorm and fire protection coverage
Verify your homeowners policy includes comprehensive windstorm, hail, and tornado protection—standard coverage typically applies, but confirm it explicitly. If you own acreage or live near grassland, consider wildfire endorsements; standard coverage usually suffices for Seward County's moderate overall risk profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Seward County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Seward County
Risk Verdict
At the 25th percentile nationally, Seward County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Seward County's 25th 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 Seward County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 60th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (23th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Seward County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Seward County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 60th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Seward County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 0.9 points from the Nebraska average, making Seward County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Seward County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Seward County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Seward County?
How does Seward County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Seward County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Seward 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.