Mayes County Disaster Risk
Mayes County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
78th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#18
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
76th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 76% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 88% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Mayes County, Oklahoma
Mayes County faces above-average risk
With a composite risk score of 77.58, Mayes County earns a "Relatively Low" rating but exceeds the national average across multiple hazard types. The county's multi-faceted exposure, particularly to flood and wildfire, distinguishes it from lower-risk areas.
Higher than Oklahoma's average risk
Mayes County's 77.58 score substantially exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. Flood risk (75.86) is particularly elevated relative to other Oklahoma counties.
Highest risk in its region
Mayes County (77.58) faces significantly more risk than all nearby counties, including Lincoln (71.31) and McCurtain (72.04). Only Logan County (74.68) approaches Mayes County's elevated exposure.
Flood and wildfire pose dual threat
Flood risk scores 75.86 and wildfire 85.62, making them Mayes County's dominant hazards—both well above state averages. Tornado risk (88.30) and earthquake risk (58.91) add significant secondary exposure.
Flood and fire insurance are essential
Homeowners should secure both comprehensive fire coverage and separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude water damage. Consider elevated or flood-resistant construction measures if rebuilding, and maintain defensible space around structures to reduce wildfire risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Mayes County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Mayes County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 78th, Mayes County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Mayes County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Mayes County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 88th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (76th percentile), earthquake (59th percentile), hurricane (39th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 88th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Mayes County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. Wildfire is the second hazard driver for Mayes County at the 86th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and wildfire-specific warning systems. For Mayes County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 22.1 points above the Oklahoma state average, Mayes County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Oklahoma county.
Is your household prepared for Mayes County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Mayes County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Mayes County?
How does Mayes County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Mayes County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Mayes 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.