Dewey County Disaster Risk
Dewey County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
17th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 24% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Dewey County, South Dakota
Dewey County faces elevated wildfire risk
Dewey County's composite risk score of 78.72 substantially exceeds South Dakota's 26.84 state average, ranking it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties nationally. Despite a "Relatively Low" rating, this represents South Dakota's third-highest composite vulnerability.
Highest-risk county in South Dakota
Dewey County ranks first among South Dakota's 66 counties for overall natural disaster risk, with its 78.72 score dramatically surpassing statewide average. This county faces exposure levels three times the state median.
Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas
Dewey County's 78.72 risk score vastly exceeds those of neighboring Faulk County (7.95), Edmunds County (6.97), and Day County (27.64), making it an isolated high-risk zone. Fall River County to the south (30.92) remains significantly less vulnerable.
Wildfire dominates Dewey County hazards
Wildfire risk reaches 82.98 in Dewey County—the highest in the state—making it by far the county's most pressing natural disaster threat. Tornado risk of 24.40 and flood risk of 17.37 are minimal by comparison, but wildfire exposure demands immediate attention.
Wildfire insurance essential here
Dewey County residents must secure comprehensive wildfire coverage as a non-negotiable priority given the county's 82.98 wildfire risk score. Implement defensible space around your home immediately—remove dead trees, thin vegetation, and clear roof gutters—as these actions reduce loss severity more than any insurance policy.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Dewey County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Dewey County
Risk Verdict
Dewey County ranks at the 79th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Dewey County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 24th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (17th percentile), earthquake (12th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Dewey County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Dewey County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 24th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Dewey County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other South Dakota counties, Dewey County runs 51.9 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Dewey County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Dewey County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Dewey County?
How does Dewey County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Dewey County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Dewey 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.