Wheeler County Disaster Risk
Wheeler County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#71
of 93 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
2th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 2% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Wheeler County, Nebraska
Wheeler County is exceptionally safe
At just 5.47, Wheeler County's composite risk score ranks among the lowest in the nation and represents only 21% of Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This very low rating reflects a genuinely protective natural environment across virtually all major hazard categories.
State's safest county for disasters
Wheeler County holds Nebraska's lowest composite risk score, making it the safest county in the state against natural disasters. The county's remote location and geographic characteristics create exceptional protection against multiple hazard types.
Far safer than all nearby counties
Wheeler County's 5.47 score dwarfs nearby Wayne County (13.96), Washington County (25.51), Webster County (55.47), and York County (52.26). The county stands out as an island of minimal hazard exposure in its region.
Wildfire is only notable hazard here
Wildfire risk (45.93) is Wheeler County's primary natural disaster concern, though still moderate compared to state and national standards. All other hazards—flood (2.42), tornado (17.18), and earthquake (2.10)—present minimal risk to residents.
Minimal coverage needs in safest county
Wheeler County residents need only standard homeowner's insurance with basic wildfire and wind coverage to address the county's modest hazards. Consider maintaining defensible space around your home and keeping gutters clear, especially during wildfire season in neighboring counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Wheeler County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Wheeler County
Risk Verdict
Wheeler County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 5th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Residents of Wheeler County can use the 5th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Wheeler County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 46th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (2th percentile), earthquake (2th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Wheeler County's primary hazard at the 46th percentile nationally. For Wheeler County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's tornado exposure at the 17th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Wheeler County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Nebraska county average, Wheeler County's composite score runs 20.3 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Wheeler County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Wheeler County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect Wheeler County?
How does Wheeler County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is Wheeler County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Wheeler 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.