Meade County Disaster Risk
Meade County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
49th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
52th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% 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 Meade County, South Dakota
Meade County faces above-average national disaster risk
Meade County's composite risk score of 49.46 exceeds the national average, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category but with notably elevated exposure to specific hazards. Wildfire risk (96.02) is exceptional, earthquake risk (37.88) exceeds national norms, and flood risk (51.94) adds additional concern. This hazard mix reflects the county's western South Dakota location and geological characteristics.
Meade ranks in the higher-risk tier statewide
Meade County's composite risk score of 49.46 substantially exceeds South Dakota's state average of 26.84, placing it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. The county's wildfire risk (96.02) is exceptionally high—among the state's worst—while its earthquake risk (37.88) is the highest in this eight-county sample. Residents face considerably more natural disaster exposure than most state neighbors.
Meade's wildfire risk stands out regionally
Meade County's composite risk of 49.46 compares to neighboring Lincoln County (62.98) and falls between Marshall County (14.47) and Lyman County (26.46), but its wildfire risk (96.02) vastly exceeds all sampled neighbors. Meade's earthquake risk (37.88) also ranks highest in the region, reflecting its western Black Hills location. These localized hazards demand targeted preparedness attention.
Wildfire and earthquake risks define local threats
Meade County's wildfire risk (96.02) is extraordinary, ranking among the state's highest and reflecting the county's proximity to grassland and forested areas vulnerable to large fires. Earthquake risk (37.88) is also notably elevated, reflecting the county's western location near the Black Hills and regional seismic zones. Flood risk (51.94) adds a third concern for low-lying areas and watercourses.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage together
Meade County's exceptional wildfire risk (96.02) makes wildfire coverage non-negotiable—verify your homeowners policy includes this protection and that your home meets defensible space standards. The county's elevated earthquake risk (37.88) may also warrant a separate earthquake insurance policy, particularly for older structures or those in high-risk zones. Review both policies annually and ensure coverage limits match replacement costs.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Meade County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Meade County
Risk Verdict
At the 49th percentile nationally, Meade County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Even at the 49th percentile, Meade County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Meade County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 52th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (38th percentile), tornado (34th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Meade County's primary hazard at the 96th percentile nationally. For Meade County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. The county's flood exposure at the 52th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Meade County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Meade County falls 22.6 points above South Dakota's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Meade County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Meade County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Meade County?
How does Meade County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Meade County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Meade 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.