Pennington County Disaster Risk
Pennington County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
79th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pennington County, South Dakota
Pennington ranks among higher-risk regions
Pennington County scores 78.56 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category but substantially above South Dakota's county average of 26.84. The county faces nearly threefold greater exposure than typical South Dakota counties, driven by significant wildfire, flood, and earthquake risks concentrated in the Black Hills region.
Second-highest risk in South Dakota
Pennington County ranks second only to Minnehaha County in overall disaster risk, with a composite score of 78.56 that reflects its unique hazard mix. The Black Hills terrain creates exposure to multiple simultaneous threats rarely seen elsewhere in the state.
Far riskier than western county neighbors
Pennington's composite risk of 78.56 dwarfs nearby Oglala Lakota County's 49.84, despite both counties sharing significant wildfire exposure. The difference reflects Pennington's additional vulnerability to flooding and earthquake risks concentrated around the Black Hills.
Wildfire, floods, and earthquakes threaten
Wildfire risk reaches 97.20, nearly the highest in the state, while flood risk of 75.64 reflects Black Hills terrain susceptibility. Earthquake risk of 56.90 adds a third dimension rarely significant elsewhere in South Dakota, making Pennington uniquely multi-hazard exposed.
Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage essential
Pennington County homeowners need broad coverage including wildfire, flood, and earthquake protection—a combination rare in other South Dakota counties. Work with a local insurance agent familiar with Black Hills risks, maintain 40+ feet of defensible space, and ensure evacuation readiness during fire season.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pennington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pennington County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 79th, Pennington County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Pennington County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pennington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (61th percentile), earthquake (57th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Pennington County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. A secondary flood exposure at the 76th percentile nationally means Pennington County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Pennington County residents.
Regional Context
At 51.7 points above the South Dakota state average, Pennington County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical South Dakota county.
Is your household prepared for Pennington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pennington County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Pennington County?
How does Pennington County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Pennington County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pennington 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.