Haakon County Disaster Risk
Haakon County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
10th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
22th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% 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 8% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Haakon County, South Dakota
Haakon County ranks among America's safest
Haakon County's composite risk score of 9.73 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk designation. The county enjoys minimal overall exposure to compounded natural disaster threats.
Haakon County is one of South Dakota's safest
With a score of 9.73 against South Dakota's state average of 26.84, Haakon County ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties. This represents less than one-third of the state's average composite risk.
Safest in its immediate region
Haakon County's 9.73 score is notably lower than nearby Hamlin County (9.99), Hand County (6.46), and Gregory County (16.16). The county represents one of the region's most resilient natural disaster environments.
Wildfire is Haakon's sole significant hazard
Wildfire risk at 68.51 dominates Haakon County's hazard profile, while flood risk (21.98) remains moderate. Tornado risk (8.24) and earthquake risk (7.67) pose minimal concern for county residents.
Focus protection on wildfire coverage
Haakon County homeowners should prioritize wildfire coverage in their insurance policies, as it represents the county's only meaningful natural hazard exposure. Review your policy's wildfire provisions and consider supplemental coverage if needed.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Haakon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Haakon County
Risk Verdict
At the 10th percentile nationally, Haakon County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Haakon County's favorable 10th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Haakon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 22th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (8th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Haakon County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Haakon County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary flood exposure at the 22th percentile nationally means Haakon County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Haakon 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
A composite score 17.1 points below the South Dakota state average puts Haakon County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Haakon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Haakon County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Haakon County?
How does Haakon County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Haakon County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Haakon 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.