Davison County Disaster Risk
Davison County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
36th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% 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 Davison County, South Dakota
Davison's composite risk exceeds state average
Davison County scores 39.25 on the composite risk index, placing it above South Dakota's 26.84 state average and well above the nation's typical risk profile. Despite the "Very Low" rating, this county faces above-average vulnerability compared to its peers statewide.
Mid-range risk ranking within South Dakota
Among South Dakota's 66 counties, Davison ranks in the middle tier for natural disaster risk. Its 39.25 composite score reflects exposure to multiple hazard types that clusters it above the state median.
Higher risk than nearby eastern counties
Davison's risk score of 39.25 significantly outpaces neighboring Deuel County (6.87) and Douglas County (10.40), making it one of the more exposed counties in the eastern region. Day County to the north presents a similar risk profile at 27.64, suggesting localized vulnerability patterns.
Tornadoes and wildfires pose greatest threat
Tornado risk reaches 75.54 in Davison County—the county's most acute hazard—while wildfire risk sits at 68.38, both well above many neighboring counties. Flood risk of 35.91 adds moderate but notable vulnerability across the county.
Secure comprehensive coverage now
Davison County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes, as standard policies often exclude these perils. Consider bundling flood insurance and updating coverage annually as climate patterns shift.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Davison County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Davison County
Risk Verdict
Davison County's overall natural disaster score at the 39th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Davison County's favorable 39th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Davison County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 76th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (36th percentile), earthquake (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 76th percentile nationally, Davison County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 68th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Davison County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Davison County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Davison County is 12.4 composite risk points above the South Dakota average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Davison County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Davison County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Davison County?
How does Davison County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Davison County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Davison 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.