riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Jefferson County Disaster Risk

Jefferson County, Oklahoma

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

21th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#72

of 77 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

14th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 78% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 54% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 33% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, Oklahoma

Jefferson County has very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of just 20.90, Jefferson County ranks as very low—substantially below both the national average and Oklahoma's state average of 55.47. This favorable risk profile reflects relatively lower exposure across most major natural hazard categories.

Among Oklahoma's safest counties

Jefferson County's score of 20.90 places it among the lowest-risk counties statewide, well below the state average of 55.47. This makes it one of the more resilient areas in Oklahoma from a natural disaster perspective.

Lower risk than nearby counties

Jefferson County's risk score of 20.90 is substantially lower than Jackson County (86.04) to the north and comparable to Johnston County (25.38) nearby. The county enjoys a notably safer natural disaster profile than most surrounding areas.

Wildfire is the primary hazard

Wildfire risk reaches 78.24—the county's highest hazard exposure—though tornado risk (54.29) and hurricane risk (32.71) remain moderate. Overall, hazard exposure in Jefferson County is manageable compared to state and national averages.

Standard coverage likely sufficient

A basic homeowners policy covering wind and hail damage provides solid protection in Jefferson County's lower-risk environment. However, residents in wildland-urban interfaces should still consult an agent about wildfire mitigation and coverage options.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Jefferson County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    78th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    54th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    34th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Jefferson County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Jefferson County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 21th percentile. Being ranked at the 21th percentile nationally is an advantage for Jefferson County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 78th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (34th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile), flood (14th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 78th percentile nationally for wildfire, Jefferson County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. A secondary tornado exposure at the 54th percentile nationally means Jefferson County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Jefferson County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.

Regional Context

Jefferson County is 34.6 composite risk points below the Oklahoma state mean, meaning most other Oklahoma counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, OK?
Jefferson County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 21th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Jefferson County?
Jefferson County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (78th percentile), tornado (54th percentile), earthquake (34th percentile), hurricane (33th percentile), flooding (14th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 78th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Jefferson County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Jefferson County's composite risk percentile is 21th, compared to the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Jefferson County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Oklahoma.
Is Jefferson County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Jefferson County's wildfire risk is at the 78th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Jefferson County is at the 14th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Jefferson County a safe place to live?
Jefferson County's composite risk score of 21th percentile is below the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 78th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.