Stanley County Disaster Risk
Stanley County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#59
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
20th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 11% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Stanley County, South Dakota
Stanley County ranks among America's safest
With a composite risk score of 5.06, Stanley County is among the lowest-risk counties in the nation, well below the national average. This Very Low rating reflects a remarkably stable natural disaster environment.
Lowest risk county in South Dakota
Stanley County's 5.06 score is the lowest in South Dakota, standing far below the state average of 26.84. No other county in the state approaches Stanley's exceptional safety profile.
Stanley leads its peers by a wide margin
Stanley County's 5.06 dramatically outpaces nearby counties like Sully (6.33) and Todd (36.61), making it a relative island of low risk. Even the state's safest neighborhoods pale in comparison to Stanley's composite score.
Wildfire remains the primary concern
Stanley County's wildfire risk (60.50) is its most significant hazard, though still moderate in absolute terms, followed by minor flood (20.04) and tornado (10.88) risks. Low earthquake risk (4.01) rounds out a relatively benign exposure profile.
Focus on wildfire preparedness and basics
While Stanley County's overall risk is minimal, homeowners should maintain standard fire insurance and keep properties defensible against wildfire. Regular policy reviews and basic maintenance remain wise precautions even in low-risk areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Stanley County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Stanley County
Risk Verdict
Stanley County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 5th percentile nationally. At the 5th percentile, Stanley County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Stanley County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 60th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 20th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (11th percentile), earthquake (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 60th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Stanley 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. The county's flood exposure at the 20th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. 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 Stanley County residents.
Regional Context
Stanley County falls 21.8 points below South Dakota's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Stanley County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Stanley County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Stanley County?
How does Stanley County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Stanley County at risk for wildfire?
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Is Stanley 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.