Douglas County Disaster Risk
Douglas County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
10th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#44
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Douglas County, South Dakota
Douglas County offers minimal disaster risk
Douglas County's composite risk score of 10.40 sits well below South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it among the nation's safest counties. The "Very Low" rating reflects genuine protection from most major natural hazards.
Among South Dakota's safest counties
Douglas County ranks in the lowest tier among South Dakota's 66 counties for overall natural disaster risk, with its 10.40 score placing it in the top tier of safety. Only a handful of South Dakota counties offer comparable low-risk profiles.
Safer than most eastern region peers
Douglas County's 10.40 risk score significantly undercuts Davison County (39.25) and Day County (27.64) to the north, making it one of the region's safer options. Only Deuel County (6.87) nearby presents notably lower risk.
Wildfire remains modest concern
Wildfire risk of 53.85 is Douglas County's most elevated hazard, though it remains moderate compared to western counties. Tornado (37.09) and flood (10.46) risks both fall below state averages, with earthquake risk minimal at 19.97.
Standard coverage typically sufficient
Douglas County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider a wildfire rider as a modest insurance addition rather than premium coverage, and maintain basic fire safety around your property.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Douglas County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Douglas County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Douglas County ranks at the 10th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Residents of Douglas County can use the 10th percentile ranking as a baseline, while recognizing that individual properties may still lie in specific hazard zones that differ from the county average.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Douglas County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 37th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (20th percentile), flood (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Douglas County sits at the 54th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Douglas County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. A secondary tornado exposure at the 37th percentile nationally means Douglas County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Douglas County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
At 16.4 points below the South Dakota state average, Douglas County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Douglas County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Douglas County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Douglas County?
How does Douglas County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Douglas County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Douglas 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.