Natural Disaster Risk in Roberts County

Natural Hazard Profile: Roberts County, South Dakota

Roberts County is located in the United States in South Dakota, home to roughly 10,217 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.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Roberts County carries an overall risk score of 5.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. The area faces significant winter hazard exposure, with nor'easters, ice storms, or blizzards regularly challenging transportation networks and power infrastructure. The area also faces notable exposure to cold wave and ice storm.

Roberts 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 Roberts County, the highest-scoring are winter, cold wave, 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, Roberts 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.