Turner County, South Dakota Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · SD
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 24th
Turner County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 24.0, 24th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $11M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Turner County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 24.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 24th 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 Turner County's expected losses come from drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 26.47 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Medium risk — $185K in expected annual loss and about 16.74 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $649K in expected annual loss and about 6.29 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $11M in expected annual loss for a population of 9K.
Beyond physical exposure, Turner County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The county's disaster history tells the same story: Turner County has received 26 federal disaster declarations since 1969, including 11 for flood events and 11 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding (flood), declared in August 2024.
Among 66 South Dakota counties, Turner County ranks #30 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 26.47 / yr | $1M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 16.74 / yr | $185K |
| Hail | Low | 6.29 / yr | $649K |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 0.97 / yr | $244K |
| Tornado | Low | 0.50 / yr | $3M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 7.16 / yr | $1M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $48K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $317 |
| Strong Wind | Low | 3.99 / yr | $333K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 1.64 / yr | $4M |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 6.16 / yr | $76K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $25K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 38.05 / yr | $21K |
| 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
Turner County has received 26 federal disaster declarations since 1969, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding in August 2024. Most frequent causes: Flood (11), Severe Storm (11), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| August 2024 | Flood | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| June 2022 | Severe Storm | Severe Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| November 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| September 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| June 2019 | Flood | Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Flooding |
| July 2014 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| May 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm |
| September 2010 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 26 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Turner County?
Turner County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 24.0 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 24th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Turner County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Winter Weather (Medium, $185K EAL), Hail (Low, $649K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Turner County compare to other South Dakota counties?
Turner County ranks #30 of 66 South Dakota counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Turner County had?
FEMA records 26 federal disaster declarations for Turner County since 1969, most often 11 for flood events and 11 for severe storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding, declared in August 2024.
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. Turner County's $11M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.