Moody County Disaster Risk
Moody County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
27th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
26th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 26% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Moody County, South Dakota
Moody County carries minimal national risk
Moody County's composite risk score of 26.94 places it just above the South Dakota state average of 26.84, indicating very low overall disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties. The county sits well below the national risk median, offering residents relatively stable conditions across most hazard categories.
Safest counties in South Dakota
Moody County ranks among the bottom tier of disaster-prone South Dakota counties, with a composite score essentially matching the state average. This position reflects manageable exposure to natural hazards, though localized tornado and wildfire risks still warrant standard preparedness measures.
Dramatically safer than nearby Minnehaha
Moody County's 26.94 score represents roughly one-third the risk of neighboring Minnehaha County's 89.54, making it one of South Dakota's safest regions despite proximity to higher-risk areas. This geographic variance means disaster preparedness needs differ sharply even between adjacent counties.
Tornado and wildfire present modest threats
Tornado risk in Moody reaches 62.91, representing the county's primary hazard concern but still well below national highs for this category. Wildfire risk of 54.04 ranks as the second concern, though neither threat approaches the severity found in counties west of the Missouri River.
Standard coverage provides adequate protection
Moody County residents benefit from low-risk exposure, making standard homeowners insurance with tornado coverage sufficient for most properties. Review your policy annually to ensure adequate liability and replacement-cost coverage, and maintain a weather radio to receive storm warnings during tornado season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Moody County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Moody County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Moody County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 27th percentile. Moody County residents can take confidence from a 27th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Moody County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 63th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (26th percentile), earthquake (13th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 63th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Moody County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Moody County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 54th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Moody County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Moody 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
Moody County's composite risk score is within 0.1 points of the South Dakota county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Moody County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Moody County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Moody County?
How does Moody County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Moody County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Moody 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.