Miner County Disaster Risk
Miner County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
3th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#63
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
4th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Miner County, South Dakota
Miner County ranks among the nation's safest areas
Miner County's composite risk score of 3.44 places it among the safest counties in the United States, earning a "Very Low" rating that reflects exceptional resilience to natural disasters. All major hazards—flood (4.17), earthquake (9.80), and tornado (26.56)—rank well below national averages, with wildfire risk (40.27) being the county's only moderate exposure. Residents experience natural disaster risk levels lower than the vast majority of Americans.
Miner is South Dakota's safest county overall
Miner County's composite risk score of 3.44 is the lowest in South Dakota, falling far below the state average of 26.84 and reflecting the county's exceptional natural disaster resilience. All major hazard categories—flood (4.17), earthquake (9.80), wildfire (40.27), and tornado (26.56)—are well below state and national norms. Residents enjoy natural disaster exposure levels superior to virtually all other state and national peers.
Miner's exceptional safety stands alone regionally
Miner County's composite risk of 3.44 is substantially lower than any sampled neighbor, including Mellette County (5.15) and McPherson County (11.13), making it the region's safest county by a significant margin. Even Miner's wildfire risk (40.27) is the lowest among all sampled counties, revealing balanced low exposure rather than a concentrated hazard vulnerability. The county presents a uniquely protected natural disaster profile.
Natural disaster risk is minimal across all hazards
Miner County faces exceptionally low exposure across all major natural disaster types: wildfire risk (40.27) is the highest hazard, but still well below state and national averages, while flood (4.17), earthquake (9.80), and tornado (26.56) risks are all minimal. No single hazard requires special attention or targeted preparedness efforts. For residents, natural disaster planning can follow standard baseline protocols without county-specific adjustments.
Standard coverage adequate for minimal risk
Miner County's exceptionally low natural disaster risk means a basic homeowners insurance policy provides adequate protection without requiring specialized wildfire, flood, or earthquake coverage unless your property is in a designated flood zone. Annual policy review ensures coverage limits align with replacement costs, but the county's overall low-risk profile allows residents to prioritize insurance needs differently than higher-hazard areas. Standard homeowners and auto coverage represents appropriate protection for most residents.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Miner County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Miner County
Risk Verdict
At the 3th percentile nationally, Miner County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. At the 3th percentile, Miner County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Miner County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 27th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (10th percentile), flood (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Miner County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 40th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Miner County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. A secondary tornado exposure at the 27th percentile nationally means Miner County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Miner County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
A composite score 23.4 points below the South Dakota state average puts Miner County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Miner County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Miner County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Miner County?
How does Miner County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Miner County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Miner 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.