Natural Disaster Risk in Custer County

Natural Hazard Profile: Custer County, Nebraska

Custer County is located in the United States in Nebraska, home to roughly 10,530 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, Custer County carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to winter and drought.

Custer County's risk score, near 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 Custer County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, winter, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Custer County 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.