Natural Disaster Risk in Benkelman
Nebraska
Risk Summary for Benkelman
Benkelman scores 3.7/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Drought.
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All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Benkelman, Nebraska
Located in the Great Plains in Dundy County, Benkelman is a small community of about 1,224. The semi-arid continental climate that characterizes this part of Nebraska — marked by hot summers, cold winters, and open-terrain wind exposure — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Benkelman a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.
Benkelman's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.7/10 (Low) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. Secondary hazards include hail and tsunami.
Relative to other U.S. communities, Benkelman's natural disaster risk is below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 4.8/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by drought and hail, as measured by FEMA across Dundy County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Benkelman is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers drought — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Benkelman: Drought preparedness
- Be aware that prolonged drought raises secondary risks including wildfire and foundation soil movement.
- Follow local water-use restrictions, which may be enacted during severe drought conditions.
- Adopt water-efficient landscaping and fixtures to reduce strain during extended dry periods.
Local Factors for Benkelman
These city-level factors differentiate Benkelman from other communities in Dundy County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
1,224
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Moderate Continental
Latitude 40.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Lower — moist climate limits wildfire frequency
Fire score: 3.7/10
Coordinates
40.1394° N, 101.5359° W
Dundy County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Benkelman
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Benkelman
Other cities in Nebraska
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.