Mellette County Disaster Risk
Mellette County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#58
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
Moderate
Higher than 83% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mellette County, South Dakota
Mellette County ranks among America's lowest-risk areas
Mellette County's composite risk score of 5.15 places it among the nation's safest areas for natural disasters, earning a "Very Low" rating that reflects exceptional resilience across most hazards. Wildfire risk (83.21) stands as a notable exception, creating a dramatic contrast with the county's otherwise minimal exposure. For most residents, natural disaster risk is negligible outside of wildfire season.
Mellette ranks among South Dakota's safest counties
Mellette County's composite risk score of 5.15 is among the very lowest in South Dakota, trailing only Miner County (3.44) and falling well below the state average of 26.84. The county's near-zero flood (8.11) and earthquake (8.08) risks anchor this advantage, though wildfire risk (83.21) presents an outlier hazard. Residents enjoy natural disaster resilience superior to nearly all other state counties.
Mellette's overall safety exceeds all nearby peers
Mellette County's composite risk of 5.15 is substantially lower than any sampled neighbor, making it one of South Dakota's safest counties for natural disasters overall. However, Mellette's wildfire risk (83.21) exceeds nearby McPherson County (70.36) and Lyman County (69.53), revealing concentrated fire vulnerability despite minimal other hazards. The county presents an unusual profile: exceptional safety coupled with notable wildfire exposure.
Wildfire dominates Mellette's limited hazard exposure
Mellette County's wildfire risk (83.21) is its sole significant natural disaster concern, standing dramatically above all other local hazards and reflecting the county's grassland and forested areas. Tornado risk (19.43), flood risk (8.11), and earthquake risk (15.94) all rank well below state and national averages. Wildfire preparedness is your primary natural disaster priority; other hazards require minimal attention.
Verify wildfire coverage despite minimal overall risk
Mellette County's elevated wildfire risk (83.21) requires that you confirm your homeowners policy includes wildfire coverage 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 is in a designated flood zone. A standard homeowners policy with wildfire inclusion provides comprehensive protection for most residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mellette County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mellette County
Risk Verdict
Mellette County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 5th percentile nationally. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Mellette County's favorable 5th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Mellette County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 83th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 19th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (16th percentile), flood (8th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Mellette County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 83th percentile nationally. Mellette County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 19th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Mellette County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The South Dakota county average exceeds Mellette County's score by 21.7 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Mellette County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mellette County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Mellette County?
How does Mellette County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
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How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Mellette 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.