Study reveals the U.S. states best prepared for a disaster: Nebraska, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Iowa Top Five

April 27, 2025

AP-CA-Fire02 — FILE - In this Dec. 3, 2018 file photo, a vehicle rests in front of a home leveled by the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. Authorities estimate it will cost at least $3 billion to clear debris of 19,000 homes destroyed by California wildfires last month. State and federal disaster relief officials said Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, that private contractors will most likely begin removing debris in January from Butte, Ventura and Los Angeles counties and costs are likely to surpass initial estimates. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File)

Study reveals the U.S. states best prepared for a disaster: Nebraska, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Iowa Top Five

Nebraska tops the list as the nation’s most disaster-prepared state.
Minnesota closely follows in second place, mainly due to its strong volunteerism and efficient EMS response times.
New York, Oregon, and Iowa complete the top five states best prepared to deal with disasters.

The recent disaster in Florida where dozens of people died has highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness across the United States. In light of this recent event, a new study has identified the states that are best and worst equipped to handle emergencies.

The study conducted by Fire Recruitment AU analyzed key factors, including volunteer participation, EMS response times, trauma center access, government spending, and ER wait times. These factors helped determine which states are best positioned to protect their residents during crises.

1. Nebraska

Nebraska stands as the nation’s most disaster-prepared state. It boasts a strong community foundation, ranking sixth in volunteerism and seventh in EMS response times.

Nebraska is well-equipped to handle potential hazards, with 96.8% of its population living near trauma centers and ranking 11th in both government spending and the National Risk Index. The state also excels in emergency medical care, ranking second in median ER wait times. This comprehensive preparedness earns Nebraska a total score of 70.51.

2. Minnesota

Minnesota ranks second in disaster preparedness, excelling in volunteer participation and emergency response. It ranks second in resident volunteerism, 17th in EMS arrival time, and 17th in population proximity to trauma centers.

With a 14th place in government spending and 17th on the National Risk Index, Minnesota is well-prepared, though its 38th ranking for ER wait times suggests room for healthcare response improvement.

3. New York

New York ranks third overall with a score of 65.72. The state excels with 25% of residents volunteering and ranks 6th in EMS response time. Additionally, 98.9% of the population is within 50 miles of a trauma center, and the state ranks third in government spending.

While it ranks 20th for median ER wait times, New York’s overall performance places it among the top disaster-prepared states.

4. Oregon

Oregon secures the fourth spot among the most disaster-prepared states with a total score of 63.44. The state shines in community support, ranking third in resident volunteerism. Additionally, 84.8% of Oregonians live within reach of trauma centers, placing the state 15th in this category.

Oregon also demonstrates responsible spending, ranking 10th in government preparedness spending. While it ranks 20th on the National Risk Index, its EMS response times are 23rd, and ER wait times are lower at 44th. Overall, Oregon’s strong community involvement, accessible healthcare, and strategic spending make it well-prepared to face emergencies.

5. Iowa

Iowa completes the top five most disaster-prepared states. An impressive 41.5% of Iowans volunteer, and emergency medical services arrive within an average of 9.4 minutes.

A significant portion of the population, 88.3%, resides within 50 miles of a trauma center. Iowa’s government also demonstrates commitment, ranking 20th in preparedness spending.

With a National Risk Index ranking of 34 and an average ER wait time of 1 hour and 50 minutes, Iowa secures a total score of 63.37.

6. Montana

Montana secures the sixth position among the most disaster-prepared states. A significant 39% of Montana residents actively volunteer. Emergency medical services in Montana are notably efficient, with average response times of 5 minutes in urban areas and 12.3 minutes in rural regions.

Montana’s healthcare infrastructure is also robust, with 85.8% of the population residing within 50 miles of a trauma center. The state demonstrates strong government commitment to preparedness, and while ER wait times average 2 hours and 10 minutes, Montana’s overall preparedness score stands at 63.28.

7. Utah

Utah ranks seventh in disaster preparedness with a score of 62.58. The state’s emergency medical services are highly efficient, with an average response time of 12 minutes. Additionally, A significant portion of Utah residents live near trauma centers, further underscoring its commitment to safety.

While government spending aligns with Utah’s overall preparedness efforts, ER wait times average 2 hours and 40 minutes. Despite this factor, Utah’s strong performance in other areas solidifies its seventh position among the most disaster-prepared states.

8. Ohio

Ohio secures the eighth position among the most disaster-prepared states. A notable 33% of Ohio residents volunteer, and emergency medical services arrive within an average of 9 minutes.

A significant portion of the population, 88.3%, resides within 50 miles of a trauma center. Ohio’s government also demonstrates commitment to safety, reflected in its preparedness spending.

While ER wait times average 2 hours and 10 minutes, Ohio’s strong performance in other areas results in a total score of 62.51, highlighting the state’s readiness for disasters.

9. Wisconsin

Wisconsin places ninth among the most disaster-prepared states with a score of 61.59. A commendable 37% of Wisconsin residents volunteer, and emergency medical services arrive within an average of 8 minutes. Moreover, a significant portion of the population, 88.3%, resides within 50 miles of a trauma center.

While Wisconsin faces challenges such as its ranking on the National Risk Index and an average ER wait time of 2 hours and 12 minutes, the state’s dedication to emergency management underscores its proactive approach to ensuring resident safety during crises.

10. Kansas

Kansas secures the tenth position among the most disaster-prepared states. A significant 36.5% of Kansas residents volunteer, and emergency medical services arrive within an average of 9 minutes and 97.5% of its population resides within 50 miles of a trauma center.

Kansas’s government also demonstrates commitment to safety, reflected in its preparedness spending, which is ranked 28th.

With a total preparedness score of 61.09, Kansas reflects its dedication to resilience in times of crisis.

Full list of states that are most and least prepared for a disaster:

Rank	State	Percentage of residents who volunteer	Average EMS arrival time (Urban/Rural)	Percentage of population within 50 miles of trauma center	State and local government spending	National risk index	Median time patients spent in the ER before leaving	Total score
1	Nebraska	6	7	31	11	11	2	70.51
2	Minnesota	2	17	17	14	17	38	66.46
3	New York	47	6	21	3	15	20	65.72
4	Oregon	3	23	15	10	20	44	63.44
5	Iowa	4	24	4	20	34	4	63.37
6	Montana	7	12	45	32	3	13	63.28
7	Utah	1	42	29	40	23	25	62.58
8	Ohio	22	18	9	22	8	15	62.51
9	Wisconsin	11	8	11	24	27	18	61.59
10	Kansas	12	16	27	28	18	9	61.09
11	Maine	8	21	30	30	7	34	60.79
12	Vermont	15	15	12	8	25	37	59.56
13	Colorado	25	25	22	23	13	10	59.21
14	Mississippi	49	1	6	27	28	1	58.46
15	North Dakota	10	20	48	4	9	30	58.11
16	Idaho	9	14	44	50	6	23	57.68
17	Michigan	35	9	20	31	5	27	57.46
18	Wyoming	23	40	41	2	24	36	57.40
19	Connecticut	28	4	2	7	36	40	57.04
20	South Dakota	14	30	35	37	22	5	56.87
21	Pennsylvania	20	13	28	18	16	49	55.67
22	West Virginia	39	33	13	29	2	12	55.56
23	Alaska	5	36	50	1	19	22	55.32
24	Delaware	29	2	3	12	38	42	55.24
25	Illinois	37	10	19	21	31	19	54.90
26	Virginia	21	38	25	34	4	35	54.24
27	Kentucky	38	19	42	25	14	11	54.13
28	New Hampshire	16	32	7	35	21	32	53.73
29	Massachusetts	24	5	26	6	42	47	53.72
30	Rhode Island	32	3	10	15	33	48	52.73
31	Texas	36	39	23	39	10	6	51.86
32	North Carolina	18	22	33	43	32	41	49.57
33	Georgia	43	27	38	49	1	33	49.53
34	Arkansas	34	26	1	38	46	16	48.11
35	Alabama	41	37	32	36	26	8	47.63
36	Washington	17	N/A	16	13	39	21	44.56
37	Oklahoma	26	34	14	42	50	28	44.51
38	Louisiana	45	35	43	26	37	3	44.44
39	Missouri	27	31	34	41	30	46	44.31
40	Hawaii	40	43	46	16	45	26	41.53
41	Arizona	33	29	40	46	41	45	39.94
42	Indiana	19	N/A	24	44	43	7	39.60
43	Florida	50	11	39	48	47	31	39.39
44	New Mexico	42	41	49	17	12	17	38.65
45	Tennessee	30	28	47	45	40	29	38.52
46	New Jersey	44	45	8	9	49	43	38.39
47	Nevada	48	44	36	47	29	24	38.05
48	South Carolina	31	N/A	18	33	44	14	37.52
49	Maryland	13	N/A	5	19	35	50	37.31
50	California	46	46	37	5	48	39	34.14

Methodology

The study assessed six key metrics of disaster preparedness:

Volunteer participation: Percentage of residents who volunteer
EMS response times: Average EMS arrival time (urban/rural)
Trauma center access: Percentage of the population within 50 miles of a trauma center
Government spending: State and local government spending on preparedness
National Risk Index: Assessment of potential natural and man-made disasters
ER wait times: Median time patients spend in the emergency room before leaving

Each factor was weighted and assigned a numerical value. The state with the highest overall score, demonstrating strong performance across all metrics, was considered the most prepared for disasters.

Sources

National Health Security Preparedness Index (NHSPI)

AmeriCorps

FEMA

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