Hutchinson County Disaster Risk
Hutchinson County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#14
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 65% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hutchinson County, South Dakota
Hutchinson faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 47.93, Hutchinson County ranks as relatively low but sits significantly above South Dakota's average of 26.84. This places the county in a moderate risk zone compared to the nation's 50th percentile, meaning residents face more natural disaster exposure than most Americans.
Riskier than most South Dakota counties
Hutchinson County's composite score of 47.93 makes it one of the higher-risk counties in South Dakota, where the state average is 26.84. Only a handful of South Dakota counties experience comparable natural disaster exposure.
Lawrence County faces similar threats
Hutchinson's risk profile (47.93) closely mirrors Lawrence County to the north (49.27), both substantially exceeding their state and regional peers. These two western South Dakota counties share elevated wildfire and tornado risks that set them apart from surrounding areas.
Wildfire and tornado threats dominate
Hutchinson faces a wildfire risk score of 68.96 and tornado risk of 65.08—both well above state averages—making these the county's primary natural hazards. Flood risk (35.24) poses a secondary but meaningful threat to homes and infrastructure along waterways.
Prioritize wildfire and wind coverage
Homeowners in Hutchinson County should verify that standard policies cover both wildfire damage and wind-driven loss, as tornado and wildfire risks are elevated. Consider supplemental coverage or a comprehensive umbrella policy given the county's above-average composite risk score.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hutchinson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hutchinson County
Risk Verdict
Hutchinson County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Being ranked at the 48th percentile nationally is an advantage for Hutchinson County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hutchinson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 65th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (35th percentile), earthquake (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Hutchinson County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 69th percentile nationally. Hutchinson County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary tornado exposure at the 65th percentile nationally means Hutchinson County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Hutchinson County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
Hutchinson County's composite risk score sits 21.1 points above the South Dakota county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Hutchinson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hutchinson County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Hutchinson County?
How does Hutchinson County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Hutchinson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Hutchinson 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.