Campbell County Disaster Risk
Campbell County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
4th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#61
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Campbell County, South Dakota
Campbell County: South Dakota's safest county
With a composite risk score of just 4.39, Campbell County ranks in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This makes it one of the lowest-risk counties for natural disasters in the entire region.
Lowest risk ranking in South Dakota
Campbell County's 4.39 score is dramatically lower than South Dakota's 26.84 state average, making it the safest county in the state by composite risk. No other county in South Dakota comes close to Campbell's low exposure profile.
Significantly safer than regional peers
Campbell County's 4.39 risk score is far below neighboring Butte (23.25) and Corson (38.10) counties. Its minimal flood (8.65), tornado (14.34), and earthquake (4.23) risks create a notably protective geographic position.
Wildfire only elevated concern in Campbell
Wildfire risk at 77.51 is Campbell County's sole hazard of concern, standing in sharp contrast to the county's minimal flood, tornado, and earthquake threats. Even this wildfire score remains manageable compared to neighboring counties.
Wildfire insurance essential despite low overall risk
Campbell County residents should prioritize wildfire coverage on homeowners policies, as standard policies often exclude this hazard despite the 77.51 risk score. For most other natural disaster risks, basic coverage through standard homeowners policies provides adequate protection.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Campbell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Campbell County
Risk Verdict
Campbell County's overall natural disaster score at the 4th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Campbell County residents can take confidence from a 4th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Campbell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 14th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (9th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 78th percentile nationally, Campbell County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Campbell County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 14th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Campbell County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Campbell County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Campbell County's composite risk score sits 22.5 points below the South Dakota county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Campbell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Campbell County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Campbell County?
How does Campbell County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Campbell County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Campbell 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.