Natural Disaster Risk — ZIP Code 57720
Buffalo, South Dakota
Risk Summary for ZIP 57720
ZIP 57720 scores 3.6/10 (Low risk), below 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
Below-average risk — standard coverage likely adequate
Natural disaster risk here is below the US average. Standard homeowners insurance will typically be sufficient, but it is still worth reviewing exclusions for floods and earthquakes.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: ZIP 57720, South Dakota
ZIP 57720 covers part of the Buffalo area, in the northern tier of the continental United States. The surrounding region experiences harsh winters, hot summers, and significant seasonal variation, with severe blizzards and spring flooding shaping the natural hazards that residents of this ZIP code face. Risk scores here are derived from FEMA data for the encompassing county.
FEMA rates ZIP 57720's composite natural disaster risk at 3.6 out of 10 — low risk. The threat of wildfire dominates the local risk environment, with hot, dry summers and abundant fuel creating dangerous fire conditions each year. Residents should also account for tsunami and volcano risk in their preparedness planning.
ZIP 57720's risk score, slightly below the 4.9/10 state average and below the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA, the highest-scoring are wildfire, tsunami, and volcano. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Despite its lower-than-average risk classification, ZIP 57720 is not immune to natural hazards. Basic preparedness — an emergency kit, awareness of seasonal risks, and property insurance that covers wildfire — remains prudent for all residents.
What this means for ZIP 57720: 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.
Risk for the surrounding area
Local Factors for ZIP 57720
These city-level factors differentiate ZIP 57720 from other communities in South Dakota County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
518
RuralGeographic Zone
Inland
Reduced coastal hazard exposure
Climate Band
Cool Continental
Latitude 45.5°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.5/10
Coordinates
45.5497° N, 103.6065° W
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for ZIP 57720
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
Nearby ZIP codes
Other cities in South Dakota
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). County-level data applied to ZIP codes within each county. Scores are normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. This information is for general awareness only — consult official emergency management resources and a licensed insurer for property-specific advice.