Day County Disaster Risk
Day County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
28th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
20th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% 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 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 15% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Day County, South Dakota
Day County risk slightly above state average
Day County's composite risk score of 27.64 exceeds South Dakota's 26.84 state average by less than one point, indicating risk exposure comparable to the statewide norm. Nationally, this "Very Low" rating reflects manageable but non-negligible disaster vulnerability.
Near-average risk among South Dakota counties
Day County ranks close to the median among South Dakota's 66 counties, with its 27.64 score placing it just slightly above statewide average exposure. This positioning suggests moderate but not exceptional natural disaster vulnerability relative to other counties in the state.
More exposed than most surrounding counties
Day County's 27.64 risk score significantly exceeds those of nearby Edmunds County (6.97) and Deuel County (6.87), making it one of the more vulnerable areas in the northeastern region. Davison County to the south presents comparable risk at 39.25, suggesting a broader vulnerability corridor.
Wildfire and tornado exposure dominate here
Wildfire risk reaches 77.86 in Day County—well above most state peers—making it the county's primary concern, while tornado risk of 40.62 poses secondary but significant threat. Flood risk remains moderate at 19.97, reflecting typical Great Plains precipitation patterns.
Prioritize wildfire and wind protection
Day County homeowners should ensure policies cover wind damage from tornadoes and obtain separate wildfire/brush fire coverage to address the county's elevated exposure. Review property defensibility around your home—clearing dead vegetation and maintaining clearance from structures significantly reduces loss severity.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Day County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Day County
Risk Verdict
Day County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 28th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. At the 28th percentile, Day County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Day County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (20th percentile), earthquake (15th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Day County's primary hazard at the 78th percentile nationally. For Day County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. A secondary tornado exposure at the 41th percentile nationally means Day County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Day County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
At 0.8 points from the South Dakota county mean, Day County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Day County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Day County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Day County?
How does Day County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Day County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Day 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.