Natural Disaster Risk in Chadron

Natural Hazard Profile: Chadron, Nebraska

Chadron is a town of roughly 6,466 residents in Dawes County, in the Great Plains. The area 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 pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Chadron.

FEMA rates Chadron's composite natural disaster risk at 4.5 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of wildfire dominates the local risk environment, with hot, dry summers and abundant fuel creating dangerous fire conditions each year. Residents should also account for drought and winter risk in their preparedness planning.

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

With a moderate risk rating, Chadron residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.