Harper County Disaster Risk
Harper County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
46th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#48
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
7th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harper County, Oklahoma
Harper's risk slightly below average
Harper County's composite risk score of 45.67 places it in the relatively low category, sitting modestly below the national average. However, wildfire risk of 81.93 significantly exceeds national norms, requiring focused preparedness.
Harper safer than Oklahoma average
At 45.67, Harper's score sits below the state average of 55.47, making it one of Oklahoma's comparatively safer counties. The low tornado risk (30.57) and minimal flood exposure (6.81) distinguish it from the state's broader hazard profile.
Harper less risky than panhandle peers
Harper's 45.67 score sits between Grant County's safety (27.77) and Grady's higher exposure (75.73), positioning it as a moderate-risk option in northwestern Oklahoma. However, wildfire threat exceeds most neighboring counties.
Wildfire dominates the risk profile
Harper's wildfire risk of 81.93 stands as its overwhelmingly dominant hazard, while tornado (30.57), flood (6.81), and earthquake (16.51) remain minimal. Hurricane exposure (28.66) adds a distant but manageable secondary concern.
Wildfire coverage is essential here
Homeowners should ensure fire insurance coverage is comprehensive and verify property fire resilience given Harper's substantial wildfire exposure. Create and maintain defensible space, keep gutters clear, and establish emergency plans focused on evacuation readiness.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harper County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harper County
Risk Verdict
At the 46th percentile nationally, Harper County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. Harper County's 46th percentile ranking is favorable, though every county carries at least one natural hazard worth knowing — reviewing the specific risks listed above helps households focus their preparedness where it matters most.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Harper County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 31th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (29th percentile), earthquake (17th percentile), flood (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire ranks as Harper County's primary hazard at the 82th percentile nationally. For Harper County households in high-WUI areas, go-bag readiness — the ability to leave within 15 minutes — is more important than shelter-in-place planning for most residential properties. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 31th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Harper County county's local emergency management office publishes community-specific wildfire risk assessments and evacuation zone maps; households should review their zone assignment and sign up for zone-specific alerts.
Regional Context
Compared to the Oklahoma county average, Harper County's composite score runs 9.8 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Harper County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harper County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Harper County?
How does Harper County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Harper County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Harper 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.