Perkins County Disaster Risk
Perkins County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
3th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#64
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
5th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 5% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 12% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Perkins County, South Dakota
Perkins County ranks safest nationally
Perkins County's composite risk score of 2.61 places it among the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States, virtually matching zero on the national disaster exposure scale. The county's very low rating reflects minimal exposure across all major hazard categories, providing residents with exceptional natural disaster safety.
South Dakota's lowest-risk county
Perkins County ranks as the safest county in South Dakota by a wide margin, with a composite risk of 2.61 compared to the state average of 26.84. The county's position reflects geographic distance from major natural hazard zones and favorable underlying geology.
Dramatically safer than all neighbors
Perkins County's risk score of 2.61 is dramatically lower than any adjacent county, including Oglala Lakota (49.84) and Morrill County in Nebraska. This isolation from high-risk zones makes Perkins one of the nation's genuinely safest places for natural disaster exposure.
Wildfire presents only modest concern
Wildfire risk of 68.80 represents Perkins County's highest hazard score, yet it remains moderate compared to other South Dakota counties. All other hazard categories—tornado, flood, earthquake—score below 6, reflecting minimal threat from multiple directions.
Standard insurance provides ample protection
Perkins County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance to cover their exceptional risk profile, with wildfire coverage as a minor add-on for completeness. Annual policy reviews remain prudent, but catastrophic disaster preparedness investments are not justified by local hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Perkins County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Perkins County
Risk Verdict
Perkins County's overall natural disaster score at the 3th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. A 3th percentile score positions Perkins County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Perkins County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 12th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (6th percentile), flood (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 69th percentile nationally, Perkins County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Perkins County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 12th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Perkins County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Perkins County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Perkins County's composite risk score sits 24.2 points below the South Dakota county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Perkins County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Perkins County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Perkins County?
How does Perkins County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Perkins County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Perkins 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.