Clay County Disaster Risk
Clay County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
20th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#32
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Clay County, South Dakota
Clay County faces moderate tornado exposure
Clay County scores 20.45 on the composite risk scale, landing in the Very Low category but with notable tornado exposure. This score sits below the national average, though the county's tornado risk (60.18) is elevated for its overall profile.
Below-average risk but notable tornado zone
Clay County's 20.45 composite score falls below South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it among the safer counties statewide. However, its 60.18 tornado risk is among the state's higher readings, reflecting the county's location in a historically active corridor.
Tornado risk highest in local cluster
Clay County's tornado risk of 60.18 exceeds neighboring Charles Mix (55.31) and significantly surpasses western counties like Campbell (14.34) and Clark (22.77). The county sits at the eastern edge of South Dakota's tornado belt.
Tornadoes dominate Clay County risks
Tornado risk at 60.18 is Clay County's defining natural hazard concern, accounting for most of its composite risk score. Flood risk (28.66) and wildfire risk (41.70) are secondary but present in the county's risk profile.
Tornado safety and preparedness essential
Clay County residents should develop tornado response plans, maintain safe rooms or reinforced basements, and stay alert during severe weather season given the 60.18 tornado risk. Standard homeowners insurance covers most tornado damage, but flood insurance should be considered for properties near waterways.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clay County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clay County
Risk Verdict
At the 20th percentile nationally, Clay County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. Being ranked at the 20th percentile nationally is an advantage for Clay County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Clay County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (29th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Clay County ranks at the 60th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Clay County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 42th percentile nationally means Clay County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Clay County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 6.4 points below the South Dakota state average puts Clay County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Clay County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clay County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Clay County?
How does Clay County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Clay County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Clay 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.