Jones County, South Dakota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · SD
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 1th
Jones County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 1.3, 1th national percentile), driven primarily by wildfire and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $2M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jones County at very low composite risk, with a National Risk Index score of 1.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 1st national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Most of Jones County's expected losses come from wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Low risk — $247K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $61K in expected annual loss and about 16.05 events per year; and drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Low risk — $62K in expected annual loss and about 32.70 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $2M in expected annual loss for a population of 917.
Beyond physical exposure, Jones County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Jones County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 5 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm (winter storm), declared in February 2023.
Among 66 South Dakota counties, Jones County ranks #66 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $247K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 16.05 / yr | $61K |
| Drought | Low | 32.70 / yr | $62K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.45 / yr | $48K |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 5.74 / yr | $356K |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 2.79 / yr | $154K |
| Hail | Very Low | 3.11 / yr | $60K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.26 / yr | $125K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.40 / yr | $45 |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $12K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.95 / yr | $11K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.82 / yr | $950K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 35.77 / yr | $10K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Jones County has received 15 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm in February 2023. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (5), Flood (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| February 2023 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| August 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding |
| February 2017 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| July 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
Showing the 10 most recent of 15 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Jones County?
Jones County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 1.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 1th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jones County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Wildfire (Low, $247K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $61K EAL), Drought (Low, $62K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jones County compare to other South Dakota counties?
Jones County ranks #66 of 66 South Dakota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jones County had?
FEMA records 15 federal disaster declarations for Jones County since 1976, most often 5 for severe storm events and 4 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm, declared in February 2023.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Jones County's $2M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.