McPherson County Disaster Risk
McPherson County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#42
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
8th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 8% 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 24% 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 McPherson County, South Dakota
McPherson County ranks among America's safest areas
McPherson County's composite risk score of 11.13 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating that reflects exceptional resilience to most natural disasters. Wildfire risk (70.36) stands as a notable exception, but even this outlier hazard is insufficient to elevate the county's overall profile significantly. Residents enjoy natural disaster exposure levels lower than the vast majority of U.S. counties.
McPherson is among South Dakota's lowest-risk counties
McPherson County's composite risk score of 11.13 falls well below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, placing it among the state's safest areas for natural disasters. The county's very low flood (7.98) and earthquake (8.08) risks anchor this advantage, though wildfire risk (70.36) deserves attention. Residents experience less overall natural disaster exposure than nearly all other South Dakota counties.
McPherson's exceptional safety outpaces the region
McPherson County's composite risk of 11.13 is among the lowest in South Dakota, trailing only Miner County (3.44) and exceeding Lyman County (26.46) by a substantial margin. However, McPherson's wildfire risk (70.36) slightly exceeds Lyman's (69.53), revealing a localized vulnerability within an otherwise protected profile. The region shows dramatic variation in overall risk despite geographic proximity.
Wildfire is the lone significant hazard exposure
McPherson County's wildfire risk (70.36) is its dominant natural disaster concern, markedly higher than the county's composite score and reflecting grassland fire vulnerability. All other hazards—tornado (23.95), flood (7.98), and earthquake (8.08)—rank well below regional and state averages. Wildfire preparedness should be your primary focus, while other hazards require minimal special attention.
Verify wildfire coverage amid otherwise low risk
McPherson County's elevated wildfire risk (70.36) requires that you confirm your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and that your property maintains defensible space standards. Given the county's exceptionally low flood and earthquake risks, separate coverage for those hazards is unnecessary unless your property sits in a designated flood zone. A basic homeowners policy with wildfire inclusion provides adequate protection for most residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in McPherson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: McPherson County
Risk Verdict
McPherson County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 11th percentile nationally. At the 11th percentile nationally, McPherson County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is McPherson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 24th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (8th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 70th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, McPherson County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 24th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for McPherson County residents.
Regional Context
McPherson County falls 15.7 points below South Dakota's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for McPherson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in McPherson County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect McPherson County?
How does McPherson County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is McPherson County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is McPherson 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.