Roberts County Disaster Risk
Roberts County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
38th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
38th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Roberts County, South Dakota
Roberts County shows moderate-low risk
Roberts County scores 37.79 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low category but above South Dakota's average of 26.84. The county's overall exposure reflects moderate wildfire concern balanced against low tornado, flood, and earthquake threats.
Below-average risk for South Dakota
Roberts County ranks in the lower half of South Dakota's 66 counties for disaster exposure, with a composite risk of 37.79 that slightly exceeds the state average. The county's position reflects northeastern location with modest wildfire exposure but limited other hazard threats.
Higher risk than Potter County
Roberts County's composite risk of 37.79 exceeds nearby Potter County's 10.02 but remains substantially lower than western counties like Pennington (78.56). The difference reflects Roberts County's greater wildfire exposure while maintaining lower flood and earthquake risk than Black Hills regions.
Wildfire and tornado pose dual threat
Wildfire risk in Roberts County reaches 74.05, representing the primary hazard concern for the county's northeastern location. Tornado risk of 50.45 presents a secondary but meaningful threat, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal below 10.
Emphasize wildfire and tornado coverage
Roberts County homeowners should ensure standard policies include wildfire and tornado coverage, as both hazards pose real threats to the region. Maintain 30 feet of defensible space around structures during dry seasons and keep a weather radio active during spring storm season for advance tornado warnings.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Roberts County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Roberts County
Risk Verdict
Roberts County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 38th percentile nationally. At the 38th percentile nationally, Roberts County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Roberts County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 74th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (38th percentile), earthquake (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Roberts County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 74th percentile nationally. Roberts 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. A secondary tornado exposure at the 50th percentile nationally means Roberts County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Roberts 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
Roberts County's composite risk score sits 10.9 points above the South Dakota county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Roberts County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Roberts County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Roberts County?
How does Roberts County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Roberts County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Roberts 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.