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

Thayer County Disaster Risk

Thayer County, Nebraska

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

38th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#24

of 93 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

22th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 22% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 49% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 11% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Thayer County, Nebraska

Thayer faces moderate national risk

Thayer County's composite risk score of 38.39 remains in the "Very Low" category nationally but sits higher than most profiled Nebraska counties. The county's exposure reflects greater hazard complexity than neighboring areas.

Highest risk among these counties

At 38.39, Thayer County exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it the most hazard-exposed among this group of eight counties. The county faces notably elevated composite risk compared to statewide peers.

Higher risk than surrounding counties

Thayer's score of 38.39 substantially exceeds most neighbors, surpassing Sheridan (13.36), Sherman (22.39), and Stanton (16.22). Only Thurston County (26.40) approaches Thayer's risk level among nearby areas.

Tornado is the dominant hazard

Tornado risk (49.27) drives Thayer County's elevated composite score, making it the county's most pressing natural disaster threat. Wildfire risk (44.72) and flood risk (22.20) contribute secondary but meaningful exposure.

Tornado safety is essential here

Thayer County residents should prioritize tornado protection through insurance and invest in a safe room or basement shelter. Ensure comprehensive coverage for wildfire and verify flood insurance is current, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Thayer County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    49th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    45th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    22th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Thayer County

Risk Verdict

Thayer County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 38th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 38th percentile nationally, Thayer County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Thayer County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (22th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Thayer County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 49th percentile nationally. In Thayer County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Thayer County at the 45th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Thayer County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Thayer County households.

Regional Context

Thayer County falls 12.6 points above Nebraska's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Thayer 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 Thayer County, NE?
Thayer County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 38th 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 Thayer County?
Thayer County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (49th percentile), wildfire (45th percentile), flooding (22th percentile), earthquake (11th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 49th 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 Thayer County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Thayer County's composite risk percentile is 38th, compared to the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Very Low. This means Thayer County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Nebraska.
Is Thayer County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Thayer County's tornado risk is at the 49th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Thayer County is at the 22th 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.
Why is Thayer County higher risk than average?
Thayer County's composite risk score of 38th percentile is above the Nebraska state average of 26th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (49th percentile). Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Phelps County

Nebraska

+0.8

Very Low

39th percentile

Gage County

Nebraska

+2.2

Very Low

41th percentile

Dakota County

Nebraska

-2.4

Very Low

36th percentile

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.

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