Oglala Lakota County Disaster Risk
Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
50th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#10
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
19th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota
Oglala Lakota faces moderate wildfire exposure
Oglala Lakota County's composite risk score of 49.84 places it in the relatively low category—about 1.9 times the South Dakota state average of 26.84. The county's overall risk stems primarily from exceptional wildfire danger rather than flood or tornado threats, reflecting its northwestern landscape characteristics.
Mid-range risk within South Dakota
Among South Dakota's 66 counties, Oglala Lakota ranks in the middle tier for disaster exposure, with moderate risk concentrated in wildfire rather than other hazard types. The county's position reflects its distinct geographic and climatic profile compared to eastern South Dakota counties.
Higher risk than Potter County neighbors
Oglala Lakota's composite risk of 49.84 significantly exceeds nearby Potter County's 10.02, a nearly fivefold difference driven by wildfire exposure. The contrast highlights how terrain and vegetation patterns create vastly different disaster profiles across northwestern South Dakota.
Wildfire dominates your hazard landscape
Wildfire risk in Oglala Lakota reaches 96.88, one of the highest scores statewide and the county's overwhelmingly dominant hazard. Tornado risk of 40.87 presents a distant secondary concern, while flood risk remains minimal at 19.02.
Prioritize wildfire insurance and defensible space
Oglala Lakota residents should ensure homeowners policies explicitly cover wildfire damage and maintain a defensible space of at least 30 feet of cleared vegetation around structures. Create and maintain an emergency evacuation plan, keep vehicle fuel tanks at least half-full during fire season, and monitor local air quality during active wildfires.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Oglala Lakota County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Oglala Lakota County
Risk Verdict
Oglala Lakota County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 50th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Low risk relative to other counties does not mean zero risk — Oglala Lakota County's 50th percentile ranking reflects a favorable overall profile, and staying informed about which hazards drive it remains worthwhile.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Oglala Lakota County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (25th percentile), flood (19th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Oglala Lakota County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 97th percentile nationally. Oglala Lakota 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. Oglala Lakota County's secondary hazard, tornado at the 41th percentile nationally, indicates that post-fire landscape changes can elevate flood risk in watersheds — a compounding factor residents in burned areas should monitor. For Oglala Lakota 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
Oglala Lakota County's composite risk score sits 23.0 points above the South Dakota county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Oglala Lakota County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Oglala Lakota County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Oglala Lakota County?
How does Oglala Lakota County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Oglala Lakota County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Oglala Lakota 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.