Aurora County Disaster Risk
Aurora County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#33
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
13th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Aurora County, South Dakota
Aurora ranks well below national risk
With a composite risk score of 19.59, Aurora County sits in the "Very Low" category and well below the national average. Your county faces significantly lower natural disaster exposure than most American communities, though wildfire risk registers at a moderate 65.39.
Among South Dakota's safest counties
Aurora County ranks near the bottom of South Dakota's disaster risk ladder with a score of 19.59, compared to the state average of 26.84. Only a handful of South Dakota counties present lower overall natural hazard exposure than Aurora.
Safer than surrounding areas
Aurora's composite risk of 19.59 places it well below neighboring Beadle County (47.14) and Brule County (58.72). Your county enjoys one of the lower risk profiles in eastern South Dakota's agricultural region.
Wildfire dominates Aurora's hazard profile
Wildfire risk (65.39) towers over other threats in Aurora County, making it your primary natural disaster concern. Tornado risk (32.35) presents a secondary hazard typical of the Great Plains, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal.
Prepare for wildfire and severe weather
Although Aurora County's overall risk is very low, wildfire-prone areas should carry adequate homeowners or renters insurance that covers fire damage. Consider a separate umbrella policy to protect against tornado-related losses in this naturally resilient region.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Aurora County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Aurora County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Aurora County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 20th percentile. Residents of Aurora County can use the 20th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Aurora County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 65th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (17th percentile), flood (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 65th percentile nationally for wildfire, Aurora County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 32th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Aurora County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Aurora County is 7.2 composite risk points below the South Dakota state mean, meaning most other South Dakota counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Aurora County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Aurora County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Aurora County?
How does Aurora County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Aurora County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Aurora County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.