Rapid City, South Dakota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Rapid City is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Pennington County.
Rapid City is a city of 77,946 people in Pennington County, South Dakota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Pennington County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and cold wave, with about $40.8 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 2,438 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 49 tornadoes and 76 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Pennington County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Rapid City
Full Pennington County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $17M | |
| Wildfire | $8M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Hail | $4M | |
| Tornado | $2M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $657K | |
| Heat wave | $588K | |
| Ice storm | $525K | |
| Earthquake | $406K | |
| Strong wind | $306K | |
| Landslide | $30K |
Homes in Rapid City
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Pennington County
Other cities in South Dakota
All ›Common questions about Rapid City
Is Rapid City safe from natural disasters?
Rapid City is in Pennington County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, wildfire, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Rapid City?
By expected yearly losses in Pennington County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), wildfire (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Pennington County has been part of 19 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Rapid City get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 49 tornadoes in Pennington County since 1950; the strongest was an F2 tornado on June 18, 1967. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Rapid City?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Pennington County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.