Natural Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

Natural Hazard Profile: Lincoln County, South Dakota

Lincoln County is located in the United States in South Dakota, home to roughly 65,123 residents. The county experiences harsh winters, hot summers, and significant seasonal variation, with severe blizzards and spring flooding shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

FEMA rates Lincoln County's composite natural disaster risk at 5.9 out of 10 — moderate risk. Severe winter storms top the local risk profile, bringing blizzard conditions, ice storms, and extreme cold that pose health risks and cause extensive property and infrastructure damage. Residents should also account for tornado and ice storm risk in their preparedness planning.

Lincoln County'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 Lincoln County, the highest-scoring are winter, tornado, and ice storm. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Lincoln County 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 winter is recommended.