Natural Disaster Risk in Hot Springs
South Dakota
Risk Summary for Hot Springs
Hot Springs scores 5.1/10 (Moderate risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Wildfire.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
Average risk — standard coverage usually sufficient
This area carries average natural disaster risk. A standard homeowners or renters policy should cover common events, but review the exclusions for floods and earthquakes, which are almost never included by default.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Hot Springs, South Dakota
Hot Springs is a town of roughly 5,839 residents in Fall River 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 Hot Springs.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Hot Springs carries an overall risk score of 5.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Fire risk is the leading concern in the area, where seasonal drought and combustible vegetation combine to create a high-risk wildfire environment. The area also faces notable exposure to avalanche and winter.
Hot Springs's risk score, near 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 Fall River County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, avalanche, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
With a moderate risk rating, Hot Springs 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.
What this means for Hot Springs: Wildfire preparedness
- Create defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures.
- Use fire-resistant roofing and screen vents to block ember intrusion, the leading cause of home ignition.
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
Local Factors for Hot Springs
These city-level factors differentiate Hot Springs from other communities in Fall River County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
5,839
Small TownGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 43.4°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 9.5/10
Coordinates
43.3797° N, 103.5231° W
Fall River County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Hot Springs
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Hot Springs
Other cities in South Dakota
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.