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

Stanton County Disaster Risk

Stanton County, Nebraska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

16th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#55

of 93 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

25th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 25% 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

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 5% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Stanton County, Nebraska

Stanton faces low national risk

Stanton County's composite risk score of 16.22 places it well below the national average, with a "Very Low" rating indicating minimal disaster exposure. The county enjoys substantially safer conditions than typical U.S. counties.

Safer than most Nebraska counties

At 16.22, Stanton County ranks below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as a relatively low-risk area statewide. The county outperforms most of its peer counties across the state.

Lower risk than most neighbors

Stanton's score of 16.22 beats Thayer County (38.39) and Thurston County (26.40) significantly, though it trails only Sheridan County (13.36) and the ultra-safe Thomas County (0.16). The county ranks favorably within its regional context.

Tornado and wildfire threats

Tornado risk (38.90) and wildfire risk (68.92) represent Stanton County's main natural hazards, with wildfire presenting the highest numerical exposure. Flood risk (25.22) poses a secondary but notable threat, while earthquake risk (4.77) remains minimal.

Secure wildfire and tornado coverage

Stanton County homeowners should prioritize policies that include both wildfire and tornado protection given these dual threats. Ensure adequate flood insurance if near creeks or drainage areas, and consider a storm shelter for tornado safety.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Stanton County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    69th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    39th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    25th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Stanton County

Risk Verdict

Stanton County's overall natural disaster score at the 16th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 16th percentile nationally is an advantage for Stanton County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Stanton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (25th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile).

Preparedness Context

With wildfire ranked at the 69th percentile nationally, Stanton County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Stanton County households to have on hand before fire season. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 39th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Stanton County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Stanton County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.

Regional Context

Stanton County's composite risk score sits 9.6 points below the Nebraska county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Stanton 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 Stanton County, NE?
Stanton County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 16th 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 Stanton County?
Stanton County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (69th percentile), tornado (39th percentile), flooding (25th percentile), earthquake (5th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 69th 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 Stanton County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Stanton County's composite risk percentile is 16th, compared to the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Stanton County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Nebraska.
Is Stanton County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Stanton County's wildfire risk is at the 69th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Stanton County is at the 25th 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.
Is Stanton County a safe place to live?
Stanton County's composite risk score of 16th percentile is below the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 69th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.