Harmon County Disaster Risk
Harmon County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
10th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#76
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
4th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 34% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harmon County, Oklahoma
Harmon ranks as safest in nation
Harmon County's composite risk score of 10.21 places it in the very low category and represents one of America's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. Even its highest-risk hazard, wildfire (57.95), falls below state and national norms.
Oklahoma's safest county
At just 10.21, Harmon's score is the lowest in Oklahoma and less than one-fifth the state average of 55.47. The county's extreme southwestern panhandle location insulates it from tornado corridors and seismic activity that affects the rest of the state.
Harmon far exceeds neighbors' safety
Harmon's 10.21 score marginally edges out Greer County (17.08) to the south, establishing the southwestern panhandle as Oklahoma's safest region. Both counties dramatically outpace eastern and central Oklahoma's hazard exposure.
Wildfire only material concern
Wildfire risk at 57.95 is Harmon's sole noteworthy exposure; tornado (33.65), flood (3.85), earthquake (20.87), and hurricane (16.98) all present negligible threats. The county's geographic isolation and arid climate create an exceptionally benign hazard environment.
Minimal special insurance needs
Harmon residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without premium coverage add-ons or extensive protective upgrades. Basic property maintenance and standard wildfire awareness constitute adequate preparedness for this remarkably safe county.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harmon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harmon County
Risk Verdict
Harmon County's overall natural disaster score at the 10th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 10th percentile, Harmon County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Harmon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (21th percentile), hurricane (17th percentile), flood (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With wildfire ranked at the 58th percentile nationally, Harmon County is in a zone where air quality can deteriorate rapidly before structures are threatened. An N95 respirator and a HEPA air purifier are practical items for Harmon County households to have on hand before fire season. The county's tornado exposure at the 34th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Defensible space, insurance review, and an evacuation plan are the three preparedness pillars for Harmon County households — and the insurance review is the one most often deferred by Harmon County residents and most costly to skip when a fire event actually occurs.
Regional Context
Harmon County's composite risk score sits 45.3 points below the Oklahoma county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.
Is your household prepared for Harmon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harmon County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Harmon County?
How does Harmon County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Harmon County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Harmon 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.