Lake County Disaster Risk
Lake County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
33th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
34th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lake County, South Dakota
Lake County faces moderate disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 32.63, Lake County ranks as very low but exceeds South Dakota's average of 26.84, placing it in the moderate risk tier. The county experiences more natural disaster exposure than many American communities.
Higher-risk than most South Dakota counties
Lake County's composite score of 32.63 places it above the South Dakota average of 26.84, ranking it among the state's riskier counties. Most South Dakota communities face less natural hazard exposure than Lake County residents.
Lawrence County faces similar threats
Lake County (32.63) sits between lower-risk central counties like Kingsbury (7.86) and higher-risk Lawrence County to the northwest (49.27). The northeastern location puts it in a distinct risk profile relative to peers.
Tornado threat stands out prominently
Lake County faces a tornado risk score of 73.00—the highest threat the county experiences. Wildfire (53.88) and flood (34.10) risks also merit attention from residents and property owners.
Prioritize wind and flood coverage
Lake County homeowners should verify homeowners insurance covers tornado, wind, and hail damage given the county's elevated tornado risk of 73.00. Consider flood insurance for properties near water bodies, as flood risk (34.10) is also elevated.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lake County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lake County
Risk Verdict
Lake County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 33th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Lake County's 33th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lake County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (34th percentile), earthquake (22th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lake County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 73th percentile nationally. In Lake County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Lake County at the 54th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Lake County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Lake County households.
Regional Context
Lake County falls 5.8 points above South Dakota's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Lake County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lake County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Lake County?
How does Lake County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Lake County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lake 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.