Cotton County Disaster Risk
Cotton County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
5th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#77
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
6th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 22% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cotton County, Oklahoma
Cotton County's risk ranks far below national average
With a composite risk score of 4.90 and a "Very Low" rating, Cotton County sits well below the national baseline for natural disaster exposure. Most U.S. counties face significantly higher combined risks from flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes. Your county's low composite score reflects relative resilience across multiple hazard types.
Among Oklahoma's safest counties
Cotton County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Oklahoma, with its 4.90 composite score dramatically below the state average of 55.47. This makes Cotton one of the safest places in the state when measured against all major natural hazards combined. The county's risk profile stands out as exceptional within the Oklahoma landscape.
Significantly safer than surrounding counties
Cotton County's neighbors face much higher composite risks: Craig County scores 55.50 and Custer County scores 62.02—more than 10 times Cotton's own 4.90 score. Among nearby counties, Cotton stands as a notable exception to Oklahoma's regional disaster vulnerability. This geographic variation highlights Cotton County's relative protection from the hazards that threaten surrounding areas.
Wildfires and earthquakes pose the main threats
Wildfire risk (67.02) and earthquake risk (29.77) are Cotton County's two most significant natural hazard exposures, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk (28.28) and hurricane risk (21.86) are substantially lower. Flood risk (6.49) presents minimal concern for most residents.
Ensure wildfire and earthquake coverage
Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes wildfire and earthquake damage, so Cotton County residents should review their policies and consider separate coverage for these specific hazards. Even in a low-risk county, a single wildfire or seismic event can cause catastrophic losses if you're uninsured. Speaking with a local insurance agent about tailored coverage takes one call and protects your family's largest asset.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cotton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cotton County
Risk Verdict
Cotton County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 5th percentile nationally. Even at the 5th percentile, Cotton County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Cotton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 67th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 30th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (28th percentile), hurricane (22th percentile), flood (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Cotton County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 67th percentile nationally. Cotton County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's earthquake exposure at the 30th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Cotton County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Oklahoma county average exceeds Cotton County's score by 50.6 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Cotton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cotton County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Cotton County?
How does Cotton County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Cotton County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cotton County a safe place to live?
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.