Nowata County Disaster Risk
Nowata County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
41th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
29th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% 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 26% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Nowata County, Oklahoma
Nowata ranks among the safest U.S. counties
At 40.78, Nowata County's composite risk sits well below national averages, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county offers one of Oklahoma's most disaster-resilient profiles.
Nowata is Oklahoma's low-risk standout
Nowata's 40.78 score sits substantially below Oklahoma's 55.47 average, placing it among the state's safest counties. Few Oklahoma counties match its overall resilience to natural disasters.
Nowata rivals Murray for regional safety
Nowata (40.78) closely tracks Murray (32.54) as one of Oklahoma's safest counties, substantially outperforming McIntosh (65.78) and Muskogee (82.03). It anchors the low-risk profile of northeast Oklahoma.
Wildfire remains the clear primary hazard
Despite overall low risk, wildfire exposure reaches 54.45—the county's dominant threat. Tornado risk (64.06) ranks second but remains moderate compared to state benchmarks.
Basic homeowners insurance typically sufficient
Nowata residents can generally rely on standard homeowners insurance, though adding wildfire coverage provides extra security given the 54.45 wildfire score. Focus on vegetation management around structures as a primary defense.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Nowata County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Nowata County
Risk Verdict
At the 41th percentile nationally, Nowata County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 41th percentile score positions Nowata County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Nowata County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 54th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (34th percentile), flood (29th percentile), hurricane (26th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Nowata County ranks at the 64th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Nowata County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 54th percentile nationally means Nowata County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Nowata County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
A composite score 14.7 points below the Oklahoma state average puts Nowata County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Nowata County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Nowata County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Nowata County?
How does Nowata County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Nowata County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Nowata 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.