More hazard damage per building is expected in Nickerson than in 86% of U.S. towns, mostly from river and rain flooding
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Nickerson gets a D for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 86% of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is river and rain flooding (70%). Flood insurance has paid 11 claims here since 1989.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Nickerson faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tornadoes
Ice storms
Strong wind
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Nickerson’s grade
River and rain flooding is 70% of the building damage FEMA expects in Nickerson, and Nickerson’s rate of river and rain flooding damage is higher than 86% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 10%, at a rate in the top 5% of U.S. census tracts.
D higher expected damage per building than 86% of U.S. towns (21,298).
All of Nickerson’s residents live in one census tract; the figures are that tract’s.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $895K a year in losses across Nickerson: $536K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Nickerson flood? Sometimes: 11 flood claims since 1989
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Nickerson, from FEMA’s records: 22.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 85% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
- The Midwest Flooding2 claims · $14K
Nickerson isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Reno County.4 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Nickerson
Disasters that paid out in Nickerson itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Nickerson), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2019Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,landslides,and Mudslides$75K to the City of Nickerson for repairs3 flood claims paid that year
- 2007Severe Winter Storms$24K to the City of Nickerson for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding5 households applied for aid$367 aid approved
- 2005Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and Flooding$43K to the City of Nickerson for repairs
Reno County has had 17 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then floods. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Also 3 FEMA wildfire suppression grants (Fire Management Assistance, not a disaster declaration) for fires in Reno County, 2006–2022.
Old photos of Nickerson after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Nickerson archive →Get ready for what Nickerson faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Pick your spot now: the lowest floor, an inside room, no windows.
- A watch means be ready; a warning means take cover now.
- Keep shoes and a flashlight by the bed.
- Ice brings down trees and lines: plan for days without power.
- Run a generator outside, far from doors and windows.
- Keep sand or salt by the door.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Nickerson
Is Nickerson at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Nickerson has higher expected damage per building than 86% of U.S. towns: D for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is river and rain flooding (70%) and tornadoes (10%). The figures are for the one census tract the town shares with its neighbors. This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Nickerson flood?
Flood insurance has paid 11 claims in Nickerson since 1989, $70K in all, or 22.0 per 1,000 homes, more than 85% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. The most claims came from Midwest Flooding (2).
Is Nickerson in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Reno County, 12% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.7% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Nickerson?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Nickerson’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Nickerson?
By FEMA money that reached Nickerson, Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, Flooding,landslides,and Mudslides (2019): $75K to the City of Nickerson for repairs. By flood claims, Midwest Flooding: 2 paid, $14K.
Is Nickerson at risk from river and rain flooding?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (70%), and Nickerson’s rate for it is higher than 86% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Nickerson.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Nickerson’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.