Grant County Disaster Risk
Grant County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
19th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#34
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
Relatively Low
Higher than 55% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Grant County, South Dakota
Grant County's risk sits well below national average
With a composite risk score of 18.89, Grant County ranks as Very Low risk—substantially safer than the national average. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to most natural hazards across the county's landscape.
Grant County ranks safer than most South Dakota counties
Grant County's 18.89 score places it well below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, indicating below-average natural disaster risk for the region. The county faces fewer compounded hazard pressures than many of its neighbors across the state.
Among the region's safer counties
Grant County's risk profile is comparable to nearby Hamlin County (9.99) and Hand County (6.46), though moderately higher than Harding County's exceptionally low 1.49 score. These neighboring counties share Grant's pattern of very low overall risk.
Wildfire and tornado pose greatest threats
Wildfire risk registers at 54.61 and tornado risk at 34.61—the two hazards Grant County residents should monitor most closely. Flood risk (17.33) and earthquake risk (6.33) present minimal concern by comparison.
Prioritize wildfire and storm coverage
Grant County residents should ensure homeowners policies cover wildfire damage and maintain adequate tornado/wind protection given the county's moderate exposure to these hazards. Standard flood insurance isn't critical, but reviewing your policy's wildfire clauses is essential.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Grant County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Grant County
Risk Verdict
Grant County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 19th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. The 19th percentile national ranking is one lens; Grant County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Grant County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 55th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (17th percentile), earthquake (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Grant County's primary hazard at the 55th percentile nationally. For Grant 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. The county's tornado exposure at the 35th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Grant 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
Compared to the South Dakota county average, Grant County's composite score runs 7.9 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Grant County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Grant County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Grant County?
How does Grant County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Grant County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Grant 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.