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

Muskogee County Disaster Risk

Muskogee County, Oklahoma

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Moderate

National Percentile

82th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#13

of 77 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

78th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 78% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 89% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 79% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 48% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Muskogee County, Oklahoma

Muskogee faces significantly elevated national risk

With a composite score of 82.03, Muskogee County ranks among the riskiest U.S. counties for natural disasters, well above the national average. Its "Relatively Moderate" rating underscores serious multi-hazard exposure.

Muskogee ranks among Oklahoma's highest-risk counties

At 82.03, Muskogee ranks in the top tier of Oklahoma's 77 counties, significantly exceeding the state average of 55.47. Few Oklahoma counties face comparable overall disaster exposure.

Muskogee is the region's highest-risk county

Muskogee (82.03) substantially outpaces neighbors McIntosh (65.78), Okmulgee (74.62), and Murray (32.54) in composite risk. It stands as the clear risk leader in eastern Oklahoma.

Tornadoes and flooding create compound threats

Tornado risk reaches 90.78—among Oklahoma's highest—with flood risk at 78.02 reflecting vulnerable low-lying and riparian zones. Wildfire exposure (88.96) and earthquake risk (79.36) add further complexity to the hazard landscape.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Muskogee residents need robust homeowners policies with explicit flood and wind coverage, plus consideration of earthquake riders. Identify and regularly maintain a safe room or shelter rated for violent storms.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Muskogee County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    91th percentile
  2. #2
    WildfirePrepare
    89th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    79th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Muskogee County

Risk Verdict

Muskogee County registers a moderately elevated natural disaster risk, ranking at the 82th percentile across all U.S. counties. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Muskogee County.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Muskogee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 91th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 89th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (79th percentile), flood (78th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Muskogee County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 91th percentile nationally. In Muskogee County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 89th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Muskogee County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Muskogee County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Muskogee County households.

Regional Context

Muskogee County falls 26.6 points above Oklahoma's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Muskogee 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 Muskogee County, OK?
Muskogee County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Moderate, placing it in the 82th 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 Muskogee County?
Muskogee County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (91th percentile), wildfire (89th percentile), earthquake (79th percentile), flooding (78th percentile), hurricane (48th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 91th 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 Muskogee County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Muskogee County's composite risk percentile is 82th, compared to the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Muskogee County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Oklahoma.
Is Muskogee County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Muskogee County's tornado risk is at the 91th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Muskogee County is at the 78th 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.
Why is Muskogee County higher risk than average?
Muskogee County's composite risk score of 82th percentile is above the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (91th percentile), along with wildfire and earthquake and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.
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.