Natural Disaster Risk in Saint Lawrence
South Dakota
Risk Summary for Saint Lawrence
Saint Lawrence scores 4.1/10 (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: Saint Lawrence, South Dakota
Saint Lawrence is a small unincorporated community in Hand County, in the interior eastern United States. 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 Saint Lawrence.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Saint Lawrence carries an overall risk score of 4.1/10, 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 cold wave and drought.
Saint Lawrence's risk score, slightly below the 4.9/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Hand County, the highest-scoring are wildfire, cold wave, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Saint Lawrence'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 wildfire exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.
What this means for Saint Lawrence: 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 Saint Lawrence
These city-level factors differentiate Saint Lawrence from other communities in Hand County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
339
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 44.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.0/10
Coordinates
44.5294° N, 98.8699° W
Hand 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 Saint Lawrence
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Saint Lawrence
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.