Out of 17 counties with PHMSA gas distribution data, these are the counties with the highest incident risk.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Counties ranked | 17 |
| Total incidents (top 100) | 63 |
| Total fatalities (top 100) | 15 |
Top 17 Counties
| Rank | County | State | Incidents | Fatalities | Latest Year | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Douglas | Nebraska | 15 | 5 | 2023 | 38/100 |
| 2 | Dodge | Nebraska | 15 | 5 | 2023 | 38/100 |
| 3 | Thurston | Nebraska | 15 | 5 | 2023 | 38/100 |
| 4 | Lancaster | Nebraska | 4 | 0 | 2024 | 6/100 |
| 5 | Skagit | Nebraska | 2 | 0 | 2019 | 4/100 |
| 6 | Sarpy | Nebraska | 2 | 0 | 2018 | 1/100 |
| 7 | Red Willow | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 6/100 |
| 8 | Platte | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2018 | 5/100 |
| 9 | Hall | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2017 | 3/100 |
| 10 | Nuckolls | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2011 | 3/100 |
| 11 | York | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2020 | 2/100 |
| 12 | Gage | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 13 | Seward | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2014 | 1/100 |
| 14 | Antelope | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 15 | Buffalo | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2008 | 1/100 |
| 16 | Hamilton | Nebraska | 1 | 0 | 2013 | 1/100 |
| 17 | Fillmore | Nebraska | 0 | 0 | — | 2/100 |
Methodology
County rankings for Nebraska based on total PHMSA gas distribution incidents reported since 2004.
Data source: U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Gas Distribution System Incident Reports 2004-2026. Last updated: 2026-06-04.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gas distribution incident?
Gas distribution incidents involve failures in the local natural gas pipeline network — leaks, ruptures, explosions, and equipment failures that can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. PHMSA requires all operators to report significant incidents.
How can I protect my home?
Install CO detectors on every level (CPSC recommendation). Have gas appliances inspected annually. Know the signs of a gas leak: rotten egg smell, hissing near gas lines, dead vegetation near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, leave immediately and call 911.