Edmunds County Disaster Risk
Edmunds County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
7th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% 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 Edmunds County, South Dakota
Edmunds County among nation's safest
Edmunds County's composite risk score of 6.97 falls far below South Dakota's 26.84 state average, ranking it among America's lowest-risk counties. This "Very Low" rating reflects exceptional protection from major natural hazards.
Second-safest county in South Dakota
Edmunds County ranks second-lowest among South Dakota's 66 counties for natural disaster risk, with its 6.97 composite score surpassed only by Deuel County (6.87). Few South Dakota residents live in counties with comparable hazard protection.
Exceptionally safe in north-central region
Edmunds County's 6.97 risk score makes it one of the safest counties in north-central South Dakota, significantly outperforming Faulk County (7.95) to the south and Day County (27.64) to the east. Only Deuel County matches its low-risk profile.
Wildfire only notable exposure
Wildfire risk at 69.18 is Edmunds County's sole hazard of concern, though still moderate compared to western counties. All other risks—tornado (23.12), flood (8.02), and earthquake (11.61)—fall substantially below state and national averages.
Minimal insurance beyond basics needed
Edmunds County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides robust protection without specialized additions. Maintain basic property maintenance and wildfire-resistant landscaping rather than pursuing premium disaster coverage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Edmunds County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Edmunds County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Edmunds County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 7th percentile. A 7th percentile score positions Edmunds County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Edmunds County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 23th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (12th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 69th percentile nationally for wildfire, Edmunds County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. The county's tornado exposure at the 23th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Edmunds County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.
Regional Context
Edmunds County is 19.9 composite risk points below the South Dakota state mean, meaning most other South Dakota counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Edmunds County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Edmunds County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Edmunds County?
How does Edmunds County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Edmunds County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Edmunds 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.