Natural Disaster Risk in Ellsworth Afb

Natural Hazard Profile: Ellsworth Afb, South Dakota

Ellsworth Afb is a town of roughly 2,787 residents in Meade County, in the Great Plains. 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 Ellsworth Afb.

FEMA rates Ellsworth Afb's composite natural disaster risk at 5.7 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 winter and avalanche risk in their preparedness planning.

Ellsworth Afb's risk score, slightly above the 4.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Meade County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, winter, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Ellsworth Afb residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for wildfire is recommended.