Brookings County Disaster Risk
Brookings County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#9
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
48th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 48% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Brookings County, South Dakota
Brookings faces notably elevated risk
Brookings County's composite risk score of 50.06 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but 87% above the national average. Your county's position in Tornado Alley drives substantially higher disaster exposure than most American regions.
High-risk tier within South Dakota
Brookings County ranks among South Dakota's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 50.06, nearly double the state average of 26.84. The county faces more hazard exposure than roughly 75% of South Dakota's other counties.
Comparable risk to Beadle County
Brookings' composite score of 50.06 closely mirrors Beadle County (47.14), making both communities among South Dakota's most hazard-prone areas. Both counties significantly exceed state averages and share severe tornado and flood vulnerabilities.
Tornadoes dominate Brookings hazards
Tornado risk (80.28) towers above all other threats in Brookings County, making it your paramount natural disaster concern. Flood risk (48.44) and wildfire exposure (64.25) present substantial secondary hazards that amplify the county's overall vulnerability.
Prioritize tornado and flood protection
Brookings County residents must secure homeowners insurance with explicit tornado and windstorm coverage, plus a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program. Investment in a safe room or designated storm shelter is strongly recommended given the extreme tornado risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Brookings County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Brookings County
Risk Verdict
Brookings County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Households in Brookings County benefit from knowing which individual hazard types — flood, wildfire, tornado, or hurricane — are the primary contributors.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Brookings County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 64th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (48th percentile), earthquake (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Brookings County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 80th percentile nationally. For Brookings County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 64th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Brookings County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Brookings County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Brookings County's composite risk score sits 23.2 points above the South Dakota county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Brookings County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Brookings County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Brookings County?
How does Brookings County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Brookings County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Brookings County higher risk than average?
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.