Fall River County Disaster Risk
Fall River County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#25
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 94% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fall River County, South Dakota
Fall River County exceeds state average risk
Fall River County's composite risk score of 30.92 exceeds South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of statewide vulnerability. Despite a "Very Low" national rating, this southwestern county faces above-average exposure.
Above-average risk among state counties
Fall River County ranks in the upper half of South Dakota's 66 counties for natural disaster risk, with its 30.92 score reflecting notably elevated exposure compared to state median. This positioning suggests concentrated vulnerability from specific hazard types.
More exposed than northern neighbors
Fall River County's 30.92 risk score significantly exceeds nearby Faulk County (7.95) and Edmunds County (6.97) to the north, though remains lower than Dewey County (78.72) to the northwest. Its southwestern location exposes it to distinct hazard patterns.
Wildfire and earthquake threaten Fall River
Wildfire risk reaches 93.77 in Fall River County—the state's highest—making it the county's primary concern, while earthquake risk of 35.15 ranks elevated for South Dakota. Flood risk of 41.54 adds a secondary but notable vulnerability.
Comprehensive wildfire coverage essential
Fall River County residents face the state's most severe wildfire risk at 93.77 and must prioritize comprehensive coverage for this hazard. Additionally, given the elevated earthquake risk, verify that your homeowners policy covers earthquake damage or obtain separate earthquake insurance.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fall River County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fall River County
Risk Verdict
Fall River County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 31th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 31th percentile nationally is an advantage for Fall River County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Fall River County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 94th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (35th percentile), tornado (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 94th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Fall River County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 42th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Fall River County residents.
Regional Context
Fall River County tracks the South Dakota county average closely, sitting 4.1 composite points above the state mean — neither a standout high-risk nor low-risk county within South Dakota.
Is your household prepared for Fall River County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fall River County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Fall River County?
How does Fall River County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Fall River County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Fall River 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.