4,017 flood insurance claims·$62.0M paid·2,410 policies in force
Shaded areas are FEMA’s mapped flood hazard zones in and around South Dakota. Zoomed out they are simplified; at street level the map switches to FEMA’s exact layer. Tap anywhere to check that spot, or search an address above.
South Dakota experiences a mixed flood risk profile dominated by standard riverine floods and frequent flash flooding, alongside a small number of lakeshore flood events. Over the last 30 years, NOAA recorded 2,537 flood events resulting in 6 deaths, and 831 flash flood events resulting in 4 deaths, complemented by 13 lakeshore flood events.
Recent federal disaster declarations highlight the persistent threat of severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding impacting the state. Federal disaster declarations specifically for flooding and severe storms occurred on June 12, 2025, July 13, 2024, and multiple declarations on June 16, 2024. These events underscore ongoing vulnerabilities to severe weather systems that combine heavy precipitation, wind, and rising waters.
National Flood Insurance Program claims data reveals that flood risks extend beyond standard high-risk areas, showing where residents need insurance most and where surprise claims occur. Zone A accounts for the highest volume with 1,667 claims totaling $28 million paid, averaging $20,893 per claim. However, Zone X zones also accumulate substantial claims, with standard Zone X recording 1,471 claims totaling $26 million paid (averaging $25,990), unshaded Zone X logging 456 claims totaling $5 million paid, and shaded Zone X registering 93 claims totaling $1 million paid. Additional claims occurred in Zone D with 35 claims totaling $1 million paid, Zone V with 2 claims, and unknown zones with 292 claims totaling $1 million paid. This distribution indicates that property owners outside traditional high-risk zones frequently experience flood losses and receive payouts.
Summary generated from FEMA disaster declarations, NOAA storm events, and NFIP claim data. Updated quarterly.
Source: OpenFEMA NFIP Claims, Policies, and Disaster Declarations data. NFIP policies in force and average premium (premium plus federal policy fee) as of August 31, 2026, from OpenFEMA.
South Dakota has received 1,469 federal disaster declarations, including 516 flood and coastal storm declarations.
NFIP claims by county, 1978 to date. Source: OpenFEMA. Counties ranked by recorded flood events →
Properties in South Dakota FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A and V) with a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, or a federally backed loan, are required to carry flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
South Dakota had 2,410 NFIP policies in force on August 31, 2026, and the average NFIP premium was $1,237 a year (premium plus the federal policy fee; the reserve fund assessment and HFIAA surcharge come on top, and nationally they make actual bills about a quarter higher). Under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 each building is priced on its own flood risk, so a state average says little about what any one home will pay.
Even outside high-risk zones, flood insurance is recommended. From 2014 to 2024, nearly one-third of NFIP claims came from properties outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area. South Dakota residents can purchase flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers.
Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent and get a quote.
See the most flood-prone counties in South Dakota →
Select a county to view local flood zone data and disaster history:
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