Hamlin County Disaster Risk
Hamlin County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
10th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#47
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
16th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% 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 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hamlin County, South Dakota
Hamlin County faces minimal national-level risks
Hamlin County's composite risk score of 9.99 falls substantially below the national average, reflecting a Very Low risk environment. The county enjoys relatively stable exposure to most natural hazards.
Hamlin County ranks well below state average
At 9.99, Hamlin County's score sits far below South Dakota's state average of 26.84—roughly one-third the state norm. This positions Hamlin among South Dakota's safer counties for natural disaster exposure.
Comparable to nearby very-low-risk counties
Hamlin County's 9.99 score aligns closely with Haakon County (9.73) and Hand County (6.46) nearby. All three counties share similarly low natural disaster risks for the region.
Tornado and wildfire warrant attention
Tornado risk (34.83) and wildfire risk (47.39) represent Hamlin County's primary natural hazard concerns. Flood risk (16.03) and earthquake risk (8.27) pose minimal risk by comparison.
Ensure adequate tornado and wind coverage
Hamlin County residents should verify their homeowners policies provide robust tornado and wind protection, given the county's tornado risk score of 34.83. Review your coverage annually and consider supplemental protection if gaps exist.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hamlin County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hamlin County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Hamlin County ranks at the 10th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 10th percentile, Hamlin County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hamlin County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 47th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 35th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (16th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hamlin County sits at the 47th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Hamlin 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. 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. In Hamlin 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 16.9 points below the South Dakota state average, Hamlin County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Hamlin County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hamlin County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Hamlin County?
How does Hamlin County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Hamlin County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hamlin 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.