Marshall County Disaster Risk
Marshall County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
14th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#40
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
10th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Marshall County, South Dakota
Marshall County ranks among the nation's lowest-risk areas
Marshall County's composite risk score of 14.47 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating that reflects genuine resilience to most natural disasters. Wildfire risk (76.62) is the notable exception, standing high relative to the county's overall profile. For most residents, this low composite score means fewer disaster-related disruptions than in neighboring regions.
Marshall is South Dakota's safest county overall
Marshall County's composite risk score of 14.47 is among the lowest in South Dakota, falling well short of the state average of 26.84 and reflecting the county's fortunate geography and hazard exposure. The county's very low flood (10.37) and earthquake (8.08) risks anchor this advantage, though wildfire risk (76.62) remains an outlier. Residents enjoy overall natural disaster resilience that exceeds most of the state.
Marshall's low risk stands out in a moderate region
Marshall County's composite risk of 14.47 is substantially lower than neighboring Lyman County (26.46) and McPherson County (11.13), making it one of the safest areas in the region. However, Marshall's wildfire risk (76.62) actually exceeds both neighbors, revealing a hazard-specific vulnerability within an otherwise protected profile. Adjacent counties show significant risk variation despite geographic proximity.
Wildfire remains the primary local concern
Marshall County's wildfire risk (76.62) dominates the hazard landscape, far exceeding other local threats and warranting baseline preparedness and defensible space planning. Tornado risk (32.12) ranks second but remains below state averages, while flood and earthquake risks are minimal. Wildfire preparedness should anchor your household planning, even as overall disaster risk remains low.
Focus wildfire coverage despite low overall risk
Marshall County's exceptional wildfire risk (76.62) means you should verify that your homeowners policy explicitly covers wildfire damage and that your home meets defensible space standards. Given the county's very low flood and earthquake risks, you likely don't need separate policies for those hazards unless you're in a special flood zone. Review your policy annually and confirm coverage limits align with replacement costs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Marshall County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Marshall County
Risk Verdict
Marshall County's overall natural disaster score at the 14th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. The 14th percentile national ranking is one lens; Marshall County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Marshall County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (10th percentile), earthquake (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 77th percentile nationally, Marshall County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Marshall County households to have on hand before fire season. A secondary tornado exposure at the 32th percentile nationally means Marshall County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Marshall County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Marshall County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Marshall County's composite risk score sits 12.4 points below the South Dakota county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Marshall County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Marshall County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Marshall County?
How does Marshall County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Marshall County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Marshall 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.