Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#39
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 66% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 0% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Nebraska
Washington County's risk sits at national average
With a composite risk score of 25.51, Washington County ranks in the very low category and matches Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This means residents face natural disaster risks comparable to much of the nation, but with relatively modest overall exposure.
Middle of the pack for Nebraska
Washington County's risk profile places it near the center of Nebraska's county rankings, neither among the state's safest nor most hazard-prone areas. Its very low rating indicates the county benefits from its geographic position and climate patterns that limit several major hazard types.
Moderate risk compared to adjacent counties
Washington County's 25.51 score sits above nearby Wayne County (13.96) but below Webster County (55.47) and York County (52.26). The variation across neighboring counties reflects differences in tornado exposure, wildfire risk, and flood vulnerability based on topography and proximity to water features.
Wildfire and tornado threats lead here
Wildfire risk (82.09) is Washington County's dominant hazard—significantly higher than typical for the state and reflecting the county's grassland and vegetation patterns. Tornado risk scores 66.48, making spring and early summer severe weather events a real concern for residents and property owners.
Prepare for wind and fire damage
Washington County residents should prioritize homeowner's insurance that covers both tornado and hail damage, given the county's elevated wind-related hazards. Consider wildfire-resistant landscaping and roof materials if you're near grasslands, and maintain an emergency plan that includes severe weather sheltering.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Washington County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 26th percentile. At the 26th percentile, Washington County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 66th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (27th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile), hurricane (0th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for wildfire, Washington County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 66th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Washington County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Washington County's composite risk score is within 0.3 points of the Nebraska county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Washington County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.