Hyde County Disaster Risk
Hyde County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
6th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#54
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
11th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 84% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 18% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Hyde County, South Dakota
Hyde County has minimal disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 6.49, Hyde County ranks as very low and sits well below South Dakota's average of 26.84, placing it in the safest tier nationally. Residents face significantly less natural disaster exposure than the average American.
Among South Dakota's safest counties
Hyde County's composite score of 6.49 places it among the lowest-risk counties in South Dakota, where the state average is 26.84. The county's exposure to natural hazards is minimal compared to most of its peers statewide.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Hyde County (6.49) is significantly safer than neighboring Lake County (32.63) and only slightly riskier than Jackson County (10.18). This central South Dakota county enjoys one of the most favorable risk profiles in the region.
Wildfire remains the top hazard
Wildfire risk scores 83.72 in Hyde County—an anomalously high figure that reflects geographic and seasonal vulnerability despite the county's overall very low composite score. All other hazards, including tornado (17.81) and flood (11.45), pose minimal threats.
Basic homeowners coverage typically sufficient
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most Hyde County residents, given the county's very low disaster risk profile. Verify coverage includes wildfire and consider preventive landscaping measures, though major supplemental insurance is unlikely necessary.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Hyde County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Hyde County
Risk Verdict
At the 6th percentile nationally, Hyde County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 6th percentile nationally, Hyde County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Hyde County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 18th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (11th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Hyde County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 84th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Hyde County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 18th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Hyde 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 20.4 points below the South Dakota state average puts Hyde County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Hyde County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Hyde County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Hyde County?
How does Hyde County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Hyde County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Hyde 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.