Garfield County Disaster Risk
Garfield County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#12
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Garfield County, Oklahoma
Garfield County faces elevated national disaster risk
Garfield County's composite risk score of 82.09 and "Relatively Moderate" rating place it substantially above the national average for natural disaster exposure. Your county experiences significantly more combined hazard threat than most U.S. counties. This elevated position reflects serious vulnerabilities across multiple disaster types requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Among Oklahoma's highest-risk counties
Garfield County's 82.09 composite score ranks it among the most hazardous counties in Oklahoma, far exceeding the state average of 55.47. Only Delaware County (82.67) and Creek County (83.24) present comparable or slightly higher risk levels. Garfield County occupies Oklahoma's tier of most-vulnerable counties.
Tied with region's highest risks
Garfield County's 82.09 score ranks nearly even with Delaware County (82.67) and far exceeds Custer County (62.02) and Ellis County (24.78) in this region. The Garfield-Delaware-Creek triangle represents Oklahoma's highest-concentration hazard zone. Residents in this tri-county area face the state's most complex disaster preparedness requirements.
Tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires pose major threats
Tornado risk (92.18) dominates Garfield County's hazard profile, followed by earthquake risk (57.98) and flood risk (66.98). Wildfire risk (53.63) and hurricane risk (28.91) are secondary but measurable concerns. The tornado-flood combination, unusual in Oklahoma, makes Garfield's risk profile distinctive within the state.
Tornado, flood, and earthquake coverage essential
Garfield County homeowners should maintain standard coverage for tornado damage and secure separate policies for flood and earthquake damage—a three-layer protection strategy. Identifying a tornado shelter area in your home, maintaining emergency supplies, and ensuring family communication plans are critical safety steps. Meeting with a local insurance professional to verify comprehensive coverage is your most important preparedness action.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Garfield County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Garfield County
Risk Verdict
Garfield County faces a moderate natural disaster risk profile, ranking at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's composite risk model. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Garfield County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 67th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (58th percentile), wildfire (54th percentile), hurricane (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Tornado risk is Garfield County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 92th percentile nationally. For Garfield County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. The secondary flood hazard at the 67th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Garfield County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Garfield County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.
Regional Context
Garfield County's composite risk score sits 26.6 points above the Oklahoma county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Garfield County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Garfield County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Garfield County?
How does Garfield County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Garfield County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Garfield 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.