Kay County Disaster Risk
Kay County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
80th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#15
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
70th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 52% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 25% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Kay County, Oklahoma
Kay County faces relatively low risk
Kay County's composite risk score of 79.87 ranks as relatively low despite being notably elevated above the state average of 55.47. The county's multi-hazard exposure, particularly to tornadoes and wildfires, drives this above-average profile.
Higher-risk county in Oklahoma
With a score of 79.87, Kay County ranks among the higher-exposure counties statewide, exceeding the state average of 55.47 by 44%. This places it in Oklahoma's more hazard-prone tier, primarily due to tornado and wildfire risk.
Significantly riskier than nearby areas
Kay County's score of 79.87 is substantially higher than surrounding counties like Kingfisher (56.84) and comparable to Jackson County (86.04). The county faces notably greater natural disaster exposure than most of its neighbors.
Tornadoes and wildfires top threats
Tornado risk peaks at an exceptional 93.38—among the highest in Oklahoma—while wildfire risk reaches 88.45. Flood risk (69.75) is also elevated, making Kay County a multi-hazard environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Prioritize comprehensive hazard coverage
Kay County residents should ensure homeowners policies include adequate tornado and wind coverage, then explore flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. A conversation with an insurance agent about bundling coverage types can strengthen protection against the county's significant multi-hazard exposure.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Kay County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Kay County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Kay County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 80th percentile. Residents should prioritize a formal household emergency plan, including evacuation routes, insurance review, and a well-stocked emergency kit.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Kay County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 88th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (70th percentile), earthquake (52th percentile), hurricane (25th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 93th percentile nationally, Kay County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 88th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Kay County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Kay County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Kay County is 24.4 composite risk points above the Oklahoma average, indicating that residents face greater natural hazard exposure than most of their in-state neighbors.
Is your household prepared for Kay County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Kay County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Kay County?
How does Kay County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Kay County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Kay 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.