Lawrence County Disaster Risk
Lawrence County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lawrence County, South Dakota
Lawrence County faces elevated disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 49.27, Lawrence County ranks as relatively low but sits significantly above South Dakota's average of 26.84. The county experiences more natural disaster exposure than most American communities.
Among South Dakota's highest-risk counties
Lawrence County's composite score of 49.27 places it among the state's riskier counties, where the average is 26.84. Only a handful of South Dakota counties experience comparable natural disaster exposure.
Hutchinson County faces similar challenges
Lawrence County (49.27) closely parallels Hutchinson County to the south (47.93), both substantially exceeding their state and regional peers. These western South Dakota counties share elevated wildfire and seismic risks that distinguish them statewide.
Wildfire and earthquake threats peak here
Lawrence County faces a wildfire risk score of 93.23—the highest in the county profile—alongside an earthquake risk of 38.14. Tornado risk (37.82) and flood risk (57.12) complete a complex hazard picture.
Comprehensive coverage strongly recommended
Lawrence County homeowners should secure robust wildfire and wind coverage, given the county's 93.23 wildfire risk and 37.82 tornado risk. Consider earthquake insurance and verify flood coverage for properties near waterways, as this county faces South Dakota's most diverse hazard profile.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lawrence County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lawrence County
Risk Verdict
Lawrence County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 49th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Lawrence County residents can take confidence from a 49th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lawrence County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 57th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (38th percentile), tornado (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Lawrence County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 93th percentile nationally. Lawrence 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. The county's flood exposure at the 57th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Lawrence 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
Lawrence County's composite risk score sits 22.4 points above the South Dakota county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Lawrence County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lawrence County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Lawrence County?
How does Lawrence County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Lawrence County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Lawrence 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.