Scotts Bluff County

Nebraska — Natural Disaster Risk Assessment

Low

Composite Risk Score

63.8

National percentile: 64th

Scotts Bluff County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 63.8, 64th national percentile), driven primarily by hail and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $25M.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025

Expected Annual Loss $25M Annualized county-level EAL
Social Vulnerability Low Population sensitivity
Community Resilience Low Capacity to recover
Population 36K Latest estimate

Top Hazards

Hail
High $9M/yr
Drought
High $3M/yr
Winter Weather
High $411K/yr

All 18 Hazard Risks

Hail High 5.22 / yr $9M
Drought High 80.56 / yr $3M
Winter Weather High 14.53 / yr $411K
Cold Wave Medium 4.68 / yr $2M
Ice Storm Medium 0.03 / yr $218K
Strong Wind Medium 1.17 / yr $878K
Wildfire Low 0.00 / yr $120K
Lightning Medium 45.42 / yr $374K
Tornado Low 0.44 / yr $2M
Earthquake Very Low 0.00 / yr $298K
Riverine Flood Low 0.79 / yr $7M
Heat Wave Very Low 0.63 / yr $67K
Landslide Very Low 0.15 / yr $62
Avalanche Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Coastal Flood Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Hurricane Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Tsunami Very Low 0.00 / yr $0
Volcanic Activity Very Low 0.00 / yr $0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall natural disaster risk for Scotts Bluff County?

Scotts Bluff County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 63.8 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 64th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.

What are the top natural hazards in Scotts Bluff County?

The three highest-rated hazards are Hail (High, $9M EAL), Drought (High, $3M EAL), Winter Weather (High, $411K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.

How does Scotts Bluff County compare to other Nebraska counties?

Scotts Bluff County ranks #10 of 93 Nebraska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.

What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?

EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Scotts Bluff County's $25M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.