Clark County Disaster Risk
Clark County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
5th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% 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 4% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clark County, South Dakota
Clark County ranks among nation's safest
With a composite risk score of 4.55, Clark County sits in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This makes it one of the safest counties for natural disaster exposure across the United States.
Second-safest county in South Dakota
Clark County's 4.55 score is dramatically lower than South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it among the state's most protected counties. Only Campbell County (4.39) edges out Clark's exceptionally low risk profile.
Minimal risk contrasts with state peers
Clark County's 4.55 composite score is far below neighboring Codington (61.77) and significantly safer than Charles Mix (48.54) to the southeast. This advantageous geographic position shields the county from the tornado and flood exposure affecting eastern South Dakota.
Wildfire the only moderate concern
Clark County's wildfire risk of 51.30 stands as its sole hazard of measurable concern, while flood (5.41), tornado (22.77), and earthquake (4.07) risks remain minimal. The county's overall safety profile makes it one of South Dakota's most disaster-resilient areas.
Wildfire coverage recommended, standard insurance sufficient
Clark County homeowners should add wildfire coverage to standard policies, though base homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most other hazards. The county's low composite risk means coverage costs should remain reasonable.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clark County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clark County
Risk Verdict
Clark County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 5th percentile nationally. A 5th percentile score positions Clark County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Clark County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 51th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 23th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (5th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Clark County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 51th percentile nationally. Clark County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary tornado exposure at the 23th percentile nationally means Clark County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Clark County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The South Dakota county average exceeds Clark County's score by 22.3 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Clark County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clark County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Clark County?
How does Clark County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Clark County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clark 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.