Potter County, South Dakota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · SD
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 10th
Potter County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 10.0, 10th national percentile), driven primarily by cold wave and wildfire exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $5M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Potter County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 10.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 10th 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 Potter County's expected losses come from cold wave (prolonged spells of dangerously low temperatures) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 10.16 events per year; wildfire (uncontrolled fires that spread across wildland and into communities) at Very Low risk — $77K in expected annual loss and about 0.00 events per year; and winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $90K in expected annual loss and about 17.63 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $5M in expected annual loss for a population of 2K.
Beyond physical exposure, Potter County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a medium 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: Potter County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1976, including 6 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Flooding (flood), declared in July 2023.
Among 66 South Dakota counties, Potter County ranks #47 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Cold Wave | Medium | 10.16 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $77K |
| Winter Weather | Low | 17.63 / yr | $90K |
| Hail | Low | 3.49 / yr | $250K |
| Drought | Low | 22.72 / yr | $103K |
| Ice Storm | Low | 0.55 / yr | $39K |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.29 / yr | $224K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.64 / yr | $2M |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 2.43 / yr | $117K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.16 / yr | $23K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $9K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $7 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 31.58 / yr | $15K |
| 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
Potter County has received 16 federal disaster declarations since 1976, most recently Flooding in July 2023. Most frequent causes: Flood (6), Severe Storm (4), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Flood | Flooding |
| February 2023 | Winter Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding |
| May 2011 | Flood | Flooding |
| March 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| September 2005 | Coastal Storm | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| July 2005 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm |
| April 1997 | Flood | Severe Flooding, Sever Winter Storms,Heavy Rains High Winds |
Showing the 10 most recent of 16 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Potter County?
Potter County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 10.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 10th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Potter County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Cold Wave (Medium, $2M EAL), Wildfire (Very Low, $77K EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $90K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Potter County compare to other South Dakota counties?
Potter County ranks #47 of 66 South Dakota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Potter County had?
FEMA records 16 federal disaster declarations for Potter County since 1976, most often 6 for flood events and 4 for severe storm events. The most recent was Flooding, declared in July 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. Potter County's $5M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.