County Data
Buffalo County, South Dakota
Self-reliance and preparedness data for Buffalo County
Relatively Low
Hazard Risk (9.9/100)
Moderate
Solar (4.2 kWh/m²/day)
Natural Hazard Risks in Buffalo County
| Hazard | Risk Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Wave | Very High | 49.9 |
| Landslide | Relatively High | 30.0 |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High | 27.8 |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate | 18.8 |
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate | 18.3 |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index. Scores 0–100, higher = more risk.
Climate Profile
Temperature & Growing Season
| January Avg | 15°F |
Water & Energy
| Annual Precipitation | 0.8″ |
| Solar Potential | 4.2 kWh/m²/day |
| Wind Speed | 3.5 m/s |
| Soil Type | Silt Loam |
Local Species
60
Edible species
25
Medicinal species
51
Autonomy Score
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the biggest natural hazards in Buffalo County, South Dakota?
- Buffalo County has an overall hazard rating of Relatively Low based on FEMA National Risk Index data. The top threats are Cold Wave, Landslide, Winter Weather. Each hazard is scored 0–100 by likelihood and expected impact.
- Is Buffalo County good for solar power?
- Buffalo County has a moderate solar rating. Solar potential is based on average daily irradiance (kWh/m²/day), which determines how much energy rooftop or ground-mounted panels can produce year-round.
- How many edible plants grow in Buffalo County?
- Our database identifies 60 edible plant species in Buffalo County based on regional flora data, USDA hardiness zone, and iNaturalist observations. The full field guide includes identification notes, preparation methods, and seasonal availability.
- What is the autonomy score for Buffalo County?
- Buffalo County has an autonomy score of 51. This composite score measures local self-reliance potential across water access, food production capacity, energy resources, and supply chain resilience. Higher scores indicate greater potential for self-sufficiency.