Cleveland County Disaster Risk
Cleveland County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
91th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#3
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
88th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 96% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cleveland County, Oklahoma
Cleveland County faces substantial national risk
Cleveland County's composite risk score of 91.28 places it in the relatively moderate category, substantially exceeding the national average. The county's multi-hazard exposure is among the highest in the United States.
Oklahoma's highest-risk county
Cleveland County ranks at the very top of Oklahoma's 77 counties for natural disaster risk, with a score of 91.28 far exceeding the state average of 55.47. Residents face the state's most comprehensive hazard exposure.
Significantly riskier than regional peers
Cleveland County's score of 91.28 exceeds Canadian County (83.49) and Comanche County (86.23), making it the most vulnerable county in south-central Oklahoma. The county's position as Oklahoma's top-risk area is striking within any regional comparison.
Tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods converge
Tornado risk reaches 96.31 in Cleveland County—among the nation's highest—while earthquake risk scores 86.26 and flood risk 88.17, creating a triple-threat environment. This convergence of major hazards makes Cleveland County exceptionally vulnerable.
Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable
Homeowner's insurance covering tornado damage is essential, and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is strongly recommended given the county's 88.17 flood score. Consider earthquake coverage as well, given Cleveland County's rare combination of all four major hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cleveland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cleveland County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 91th percentile, Cleveland County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Cleveland County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Cleveland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 96th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (86th percentile), wildfire (85th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 96th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Cleveland County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Alongside tornado exposure, flood at the 88th percentile nationally means Cleveland County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. For Cleveland County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 35.8 points above the Oklahoma state average, Cleveland County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Oklahoma county.
Is your household prepared for Cleveland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cleveland County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Cleveland County?
How does Cleveland County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Cleveland County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cleveland 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.