Natural Disaster Risk in Howard

Natural Hazard Profile: Howard, South Dakota

Located in the interior eastern United States in Miner County, Howard is a small community of about 1,513. 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 Howard a community where hazard awareness has real practical value.

Howard's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.0/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. Secondary hazards include ice storm and tsunami.

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

Howard'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 drought exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.