Ziebach County Disaster Risk
Ziebach County, South Dakota
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
25th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
of 66 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
9th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% 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 10% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Ziebach County, South Dakota
Ziebach has minimal disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 25.19 and a Very Low rating, Ziebach County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable standing reflects relatively low exposure across most major hazard types, though no county is entirely risk-free. The county's profile makes it one of the safer communities for natural disaster vulnerability in the nation.
Among South Dakota's safest counties
Ziebach's composite risk score of 25.19 is nearly identical to South Dakota's state average of 26.84, placing it squarely in the middle of statewide risk distribution. This balanced profile means Ziebach residents face typical Great Plains hazard exposure without the elevated vulnerabilities seen in more exposed counties. The county's disaster risk remains manageable and well-understood.
Significantly safer than Yankton
Ziebach County's composite score of 25.19 is less than half that of neighboring Yankton County's 63.36, reflecting notably different geographic vulnerability patterns across the region. While both counties face comparable wildfire risk (76.56 vs. 75.60), Ziebach's tornado risk of 11.13 is dramatically lower than Yankton's 86.67. This contrast highlights how adjacent communities can have vastly different disaster profiles.
Wildfire is the primary concern
Wildfire represents Ziebach's dominant natural hazard with a risk score of 76.56, making it the county's most important preparedness priority despite very low overall composite risk. All other major hazards—tornado (11.13), earthquake (10.43), and flood (8.94)—pose minimal threat to the county. Residents should focus their disaster planning and home hardening efforts on wildfire prevention and preparation.
Focus on wildfire preparedness
Ziebach homeowners should prioritize wildfire insurance coverage and create defensible space around their homes through vegetation management and debris removal. While tornado and flood risks remain very low, ensuring basic coverage for these hazards maintains comprehensive protection at reasonable cost. Consult your insurance provider about specialized wildfire policies appropriate for your specific property location.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Ziebach County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Ziebach County
Risk Verdict
Ziebach County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 25th percentile nationally. At the 25th percentile, Ziebach 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 Ziebach County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 11th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (10th percentile), flood (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Ziebach County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 77th percentile nationally. Ziebach 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 11th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. For Ziebach 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
At just 1.7 composite points from the South Dakota average, Ziebach County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Ziebach County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Ziebach County, SD?
What types of natural hazards affect Ziebach County?
How does Ziebach County risk compare to the South Dakota average?
Is Ziebach County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Ziebach 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.