Butte County Disaster Risk
Butte County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
23th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#31
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
33th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Butte County, South Dakota
Butte County's disaster risk: well below average
Butte County scores 23.25 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and below the national average. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to most natural hazards, though wildfire risk deserves attention in this region.
Safer than most South Dakota counties
At 23.25, Butte County's risk score sits comfortably below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, ranking it among the state's safer counties. This positions Butte well compared to peers facing tornado or flood-prone conditions elsewhere in the state.
Wildfire risk sets Butte apart regionally
Butte County's wildfire risk of 86.90 is notably higher than neighboring Campbell (77.51) and Corson (77.26) counties, making it the area's wildfire hotspot. However, its flood and tornado risks remain low relative to eastern South Dakota counties like Codington and Charles Mix.
Wildfire and earthquake: Butte's main concerns
Wildfire risk dominates Butte County at 86.90, significantly elevated compared to the county's overall composite score. Earthquake risk (28.28) and flood risk (33.43) are secondary but manageable concerns for residents and property owners.
Prioritize wildfire coverage for Butte homes
Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire damage; Butte County residents should verify coverage or add a separate wildfire rider given the 86.90 risk score. Consider defensible space maintenance around structures and review flood insurance options, especially near water bodies.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Butte County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Butte County
Risk Verdict
Butte County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 23th percentile nationally. Butte County's 23th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Butte County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 33th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (28th percentile), tornado (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 87th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Butte County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary flood exposure at the 33th percentile nationally means Butte County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Butte County residents.
Regional Context
Butte County tracks the South Dakota county average closely, sitting 3.6 composite points below the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within South Dakota.
Is your household prepared for Butte County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Butte County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Butte County?
How does Butte County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Butte County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Butte 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.