York County Disaster Risk
York County, Nebraska
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
52th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
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
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in York County, Nebraska
York County faces elevated national risk
With a composite risk score of 52.26, York County ranks relatively low but nearly doubles Nebraska's state average of 25.80. The county's risk profile places it among the more hazard-exposed areas across the United States, driven primarily by tornado activity.
Among Nebraska's riskier counties
York County ranks as one of the state's higher-risk areas, with only a few Nebraska counties exceeding its 52.26 composite score. The county's position reflects significant exposure to severe weather and wind-related hazards.
Riskier than most surrounding counties
York County's 52.26 score exceeds nearby Wheeler County (5.47), Wayne County (13.96), and Washington County (25.51), though Webster County (55.47) presents slightly higher risk. The variation reflects York County's placement in an active tornado corridor compared to its less-exposed neighbors.
Tornado threat dominates hazard profile
Tornado risk (67.02) is York County's defining hazard and its highest single-category score, requiring serious preparedness for spring and early summer storm seasons. Flood risk (24.97) presents a secondary concern, particularly for residents near drainage basins and low-lying areas.
Prioritize tornado and wind protection
York County homeowners should invest in comprehensive coverage for tornado, hail, and wind damage, the county's primary threats. Develop a family tornado plan that includes identification of safe rooms or shelters, practice drills before severe weather season, and maintain an emergency supply kit with essentials for 72 hours.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in York County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: York County
Risk Verdict
York County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 52th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in York County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is York County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (25th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is York County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 67th percentile nationally. For York County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 37th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to York County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in York County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
York County's composite risk score sits 26.5 points above the Nebraska county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for York County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in York County, NE?
What types of natural hazards affect York County?
How does York County risk compare to the Nebraska average?
Is York County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is York 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.