Turner County Disaster Risk
Turner County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
24th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#30
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
27th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 46% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Turner County, South Dakota
Turner County's risk slightly exceeds national norm
Turner County's composite risk score of 23.98 sits just below the national average and is categorized as Very Low. This represents moderate natural disaster exposure relative to the nation overall.
Turner sits near South Dakota's midpoint
At 23.98, Turner County falls slightly below the state average of 26.84, placing it in the safer half of South Dakota counties. It represents a moderate-risk county by state standards.
Turner balances lower and higher-risk neighbors
Turner County's 23.98 score ranks between the safest counties (Stanley at 5.06, Sully at 6.33) and the highest-risk areas (Union at 37.12, Walworth at 39.50). It occupies a middle ground in its regional risk landscape.
Tornadoes pose Turner's greatest threat
Tornado risk dominates at 64.34, making it Turner County's most significant hazard, followed by moderate wildfire (45.96) and flood (26.75) exposure. Residents should prioritize tornado preparedness alongside standard severe weather protections.
Prioritize wind and tornado coverage
Turner County homeowners should ensure their policies cover wind damage, hail, and tornado-related losses alongside standard protections. Maintain a safe room or shelter plan and consider additional riders for full peace of mind.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Turner County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Turner County
Risk Verdict
At the 24th percentile nationally, Turner County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 24th percentile score positions Turner County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Turner County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (27th percentile), earthquake (16th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Turner County ranks at the 64th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Turner County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 46th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Turner County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Turner County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.9 points from the South Dakota average, making Turner County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Turner County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Turner County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Turner County?
How does Turner County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Turner County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Turner 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.