Natural Disaster Risk in Clark County
South Dakota
Risk Summary for Clark County
Clark County scores 3.9/10 (Low risk), below the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Clark County, South Dakota
Clark County, in the United States in South Dakota, is characterized by its semi-arid continental climate — harsh winters, hot summers, and significant seasonal variation. The county faces severe blizzards and spring flooding, and its FEMA risk assessment establishes the hazard baseline shared by all the towns and cities it contains.
Clark County's overall natural disaster risk is rated 3.9/10 (Low) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Cold wave events are the primary hazard risk, driven by periodic invasions of Arctic air that drive wind chills to life-threatening levels and stress heating systems. Secondary hazards include hail and ice storm.
Within South Dakota, Clark County's risk is, slightly below the 4.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Clark County identifies cold wave as the foremost hazard, followed by hail and ice storm. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, Clark County is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers cold wave — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for Clark County: Cold Wave preparedness
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
Cities in Clark County
ZIP codes in Clark County
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. For informational purposes only.