Natural Disaster Risk in Buffalo County

Natural Hazard Profile: Buffalo County, Nebraska

Buffalo County is located in the United States in Nebraska, home to roughly 50,007 residents. The county experiences hot summers, cold winters, and open-terrain wind exposure, with one of the most tornado-active spring seasons in the central US shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Buffalo County carries an overall risk score of 6.2/10, placing it in the high category. Hail is the primary natural disaster concern, with severe storms delivering baseball-sized or larger hailstones that cause significant insured losses each year. The area also faces notable exposure to wind and drought.

Buffalo County's risk score, slightly above the 4.8/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Buffalo County, the highest-scoring are hail, wind, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Buffalo County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for hail and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.