McCook County Disaster Risk
McCook County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
43th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#16
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
58th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in McCook County, South Dakota
McCook County faces above-average national disaster risk
McCook County's composite risk score of 43.45 exceeds the national baseline, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category with above-average exposure to multiple hazards. Tornado risk (67.46) and flood risk (58.37) both substantially exceed national norms, while wildfire risk (62.31) adds another significant concern. This balanced mix of moderate-to-high hazard exposure requires comprehensive preparedness.
McCook ranks in the middle-high tier statewide
McCook County's composite risk score of 43.45 significantly exceeds South Dakota's state average of 26.84, making it one of the more hazard-exposed counties in the state. The county's tornado risk (67.46) is particularly notable, reflecting the region's vulnerability to severe spring and summer storms. Residents face more natural disaster exposure than most South Dakota neighbors.
McCook's risks run moderate compared to peers
McCook County's composite risk of 43.45 falls between neighboring Lincoln County (62.98) and Lyman County (26.46), positioning it as a moderate-risk area within the region. McCook's tornado risk (67.46) exceeds Lyman's (27.64) but trails Lincoln's (93.32), while its flood risk (58.37) exceeds both neighbors. Regional risk profiles vary substantially, making local comparison valuable for preparedness planning.
Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires pose triple threat
McCook County faces three significant hazards: tornado risk (67.46) poses the greatest acute danger during severe weather season, flood risk (58.37) threatens low-lying areas and those near watercourses, and wildfire risk (62.31) adds structural and grassland fire exposure. This combination of hazards demands attention across multiple seasons and preparation strategies. Understanding the timing and geography of each threat helps focus your household planning.
Secure multi-hazard protection and safe spaces
McCook County's elevated tornado (67.46) and wildfire (62.31) risks require that your homeowners policy explicitly covers wind, hail, and wildfire damage—standard policies often exclude or limit these. A separate flood insurance policy is essential if your property is in a mapped flood zone or experiences drainage issues. Review your coverage annually and invest in a home safe room or shelter plan for tornado season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McCook County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McCook County
Risk Verdict
McCook County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 43th percentile across all U.S. counties. Being ranked at the 43th percentile nationally is an advantage for McCook County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is McCook County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 62th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (58th percentile), earthquake (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 67th percentile nationally for tornado risk, McCook County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. McCook County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 62th percentile nationally means McCook County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. McCook County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
A composite score 16.6 points above the South Dakota state average puts McCook County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for McCook County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McCook County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect McCook County?
How does McCook County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is McCook County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is McCook 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.