Cherokee County Disaster Risk
Cherokee County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
77th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#19
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
77th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 60% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cherokee County, Oklahoma
Cherokee County faces above-average hazards
Cherokee County's composite risk score of 76.91 places it in the relatively low category but significantly exceeds the national median. The county's risk profile reflects exposure to multiple hazard types that affect many U.S. communities.
Among Oklahoma's higher-risk counties
Cherokee County ranks in the upper portion of Oklahoma's 77 counties for natural disaster risk, with a score well above the state average of 55.47. This positions it as a notably vulnerable area within the state.
Riskier than most southeastern Oklahoma peers
Cherokee County's score of 76.91 exceeds Choctaw County (49.90) but trails Canadian County (83.49) and Comanche County (86.23). The county occupies a middle-to-high-risk position within its regional cluster in southeastern Oklahoma.
Wildfires and tornadoes lead threats
Wildfire risk in Cherokee County reaches 94.59—the highest of any hazard—while tornado risk scores 81.62, making both hazards significant concerns. Flood risk at 77.48 adds a third substantial threat requiring attention.
Multi-hazard coverage is essential
Verify your homeowner's policy covers tornado, wildfire, and flood damage, and consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program given the county's 77.48 flood risk score. Maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cherokee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cherokee County
Risk Verdict
Cherokee County ranks at the 77th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cherokee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 82th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (77th percentile), earthquake (60th percentile), hurricane (32th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Cherokee County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Cherokee County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. The county's tornado exposure at the 82th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Cherokee County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other Oklahoma counties, Cherokee County runs 21.4 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Cherokee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cherokee County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Cherokee County?
How does Cherokee County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Cherokee County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cherokee County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.