Yankton County Disaster Risk
Yankton County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
63th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#5
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Yankton County, South Dakota
Yankton faces above-average disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 63.36, Yankton County sits well above the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating overall. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly severe weather events that affect much of the Great Plains. Understanding your specific risks helps you prepare where it matters most.
Among South Dakota's riskier counties
Yankton's composite risk score of 63.36 significantly exceeds South Dakota's state average of 26.84, making it one of the more hazard-prone counties in the state. This elevated score is driven primarily by tornado and wildfire risks that outpace statewide norms. The county's location and geography create conditions for these recurring weather threats.
Higher risk than nearby Ziebach
Yankton County's composite score of 63.36 contrasts sharply with neighboring Ziebach County's score of 25.19, reflecting different geographic vulnerability profiles across the region. While both counties face wildfire risk (Yankton at 75.60, Ziebach at 76.56), Yankton carries substantially more tornado danger at 86.67 compared to Ziebach's 11.13. This variation underscores how location shapes disaster preparedness priorities.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate
Tornado risk represents Yankton's most significant threat with a score of 86.67, far exceeding typical South Dakota exposure and warranting serious storm preparedness planning. Wildfire risk at 75.60 poses a secondary but substantial concern, especially during drought periods common to the region. Together, these two hazards account for the majority of the county's overall disaster exposure.
Prioritize coverage for severe weather
Given Yankton's elevated tornado and wildfire risks, homeowners should verify they have comprehensive coverage that includes wind damage, hail, and—in wildfire-prone areas—structure protection beyond standard policies. A safe room or basement shelter can save lives during tornado events, making home hardening investments worthwhile. Review your policy annually and discuss specific hazard coverage with your insurance agent.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Yankton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Yankton County
Risk Verdict
At the 63th percentile nationally, Yankton County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Yankton County's risk profile calls for targeted preparedness, focusing on the hazard categories that dominate the county's score.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Yankton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 76th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (57th percentile), earthquake (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Yankton County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 87th percentile nationally. In Yankton County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 76th percentile nationally means Yankton County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Yankton County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Yankton County households.
Regional Context
Yankton County falls 36.5 points above South Dakota's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.
Is your household prepared for Yankton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Yankton County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Yankton County?
How does Yankton County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Yankton County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Yankton 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.