Natural Disaster Risk in Clear Lake

Natural Hazard Profile: Clear Lake, South Dakota

Clear Lake is a small community of about 1,953 in Deuel County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences harsh winters, hot summers, and significant seasonal variation, with severe blizzards and spring flooding shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Clear Lake.

FEMA rates Clear Lake's composite natural disaster risk at 4.5 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of wildfire dominates the local risk environment, with hot, dry summers and abundant fuel creating dangerous fire conditions each year. Residents should also account for ice storm and winter risk in their preparedness planning.

Clear Lake's risk score, slightly below the 4.9/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Deuel County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, ice storm, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Clear Lake's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that wildfire exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.