Natural Disaster Risk in Long Valley
South Dakota
Risk Summary for Long Valley
Long Valley scores 4.8/10 (Moderate risk), near 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: Long Valley, South Dakota
Long Valley, in Jackson County, is a small unincorporated community situated in the Great Plains. Its semi-arid continental climate brings harsh winters, hot summers, and significant seasonal variation, and in particular severe blizzards and spring flooding. These conditions collectively define the natural hazard environment that Long Valley residents and property owners must navigate.
Long Valley's overall natural disaster risk is rated 4.8/10 (Moderate) by FEMA's National Risk Index. The threat of wildfire dominates the local risk environment, with hot, dry summers and abundant fuel creating dangerous fire conditions each year. Secondary hazards include ice storm and winter.
Within South Dakota, Long Valley's risk is, near the 4.9/10 state average. Nationally, it ranks near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. FEMA's analysis of Jackson County identifies wildfire as the foremost hazard, followed by ice storm and winter. These rankings reflect the relative frequency and severity of each hazard type in the local environment.
With a moderate risk rating, Long Valley 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 Long Valley: Wildfire preparedness
- Prepare a go-bag and evacuation plan; wildfires can move faster than expected when winds pick up.
- 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.
Local Factors for Long Valley
These city-level factors differentiate Long Valley from other communities in Jackson County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
383
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 43.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.7/10
Coordinates
43.4834° N, 101.4405° W
Jackson 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 Long Valley
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Long Valley
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.