Lyman County Disaster Risk
Lyman County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
26th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lyman County, South Dakota
Lyman County's risk profile mirrors South Dakota's average
Lyman County's composite risk score of 26.46 aligns closely with South Dakota's state average of 26.84, earning a "Very Low" national rating. This stability masks important pockets of hazard exposure: wildfire risk (69.53) substantially exceeds the county's overall profile. The county's low composite score reflects balanced—rather than negligible—risk across multiple hazard types.
Lyman ranks near the middle of South Dakota counties
Lyman County's composite risk score of 26.46 places it near the state average of 26.84, neither among the highest nor lowest-risk counties in South Dakota. The county's wildfire risk (69.53) stands out as notably elevated within its otherwise moderate profile. For residents, this means attention to wildfire preparedness is warranted, even as overall disaster risk remains relatively contained.
Lyman's wildfire risk outpaces similar nearby areas
Lyman County's wildfire risk (69.53) substantially exceeds that of neighboring McPherson County (70.36), though the two counties share similar composite scores. Compared to Marshall County (76.62 wildfire risk), Lyman faces somewhat lower wildfire exposure despite higher overall composite risk. Understanding these hazard-specific variations helps target your insurance and preparedness efforts.
Wildfires and tornadoes present measurable threats
Lyman County's wildfire risk (69.53) is the dominant hazard concern, substantially exceeding the county's composite score and reflecting vulnerability to grassland and structural fires. Tornado risk (27.64) ranks second, remaining below state and national averages but still present. Flood risk (29.13) adds a third consideration, particularly for properties near drainage areas.
Prioritize wildfire insurance and defensible space
Lyman County's elevated wildfire risk (69.53) makes it essential to maintain defensible space around your home and verify that your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage—some carriers exclude or limit this coverage in high-risk areas. Ensure you understand your policy's wind and hail coverage as well, given tornado exposure. A separate flood insurance policy is advisable for any property in a mapped flood zone or with drainage concerns.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lyman County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lyman County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Lyman County ranks at the 26th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A 26th percentile score positions Lyman County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Lyman County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 29th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (28th percentile), earthquake (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lyman County sits at the 70th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Lyman 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. A secondary flood exposure at the 29th percentile nationally means Lyman County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Lyman 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
Lyman County sits within 0.4 composite points of the South Dakota state average, suggesting the county's hazard exposure is representative of the broader regional pattern.
Is your household prepared for Lyman County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lyman County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Lyman County?
How does Lyman County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Lyman County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lyman 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.