Natural Disaster Risk in Bison

Natural Hazard Profile: Bison, South Dakota

Located in the northern tier of the continental United States in Perkins County, Bison is a small community of about 564. The semi-arid continental climate that characterizes this part of South Dakota — marked by harsh winters, hot summers, and significant seasonal variation — directly influences the types and severity of natural hazards present, making Bison a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Bison's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.9/10 (Low) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. Secondary hazards include winter and cold wave.

Relative to other U.S. communities, Bison's natural disaster risk is below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10, slightly below the 4.9/10 state average. The hazard distribution here is led by wildfire and winter, as measured by FEMA across Perkins County. While city-specific sub-county variation exists, these scores represent the best available federal risk estimate.

Bison carries a below-average natural disaster risk, reflecting fewer and less severe hazard exposures than typical U.S. communities. Even so, the area's primary risk — wildfire — warrants awareness and appropriate insurance coverage, as lower risk does not mean zero risk.