Pawnee County Disaster Risk
Pawnee County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
48th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
35th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 32% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 14% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pawnee County, Oklahoma
Pawnee among Oklahoma's lowest-risk counties
Pawnee County's composite risk score of 48.09 places it in the relatively low category and actually slightly below the national average. However, this masks significant wildfire exposure that requires local attention despite the county's overall favorable risk profile.
One of Oklahoma's safer counties overall
Pawnee's score of 48.09 falls well below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. The county benefits from reduced tornado and flood exposure compared to state peers.
Notably safer than adjacent Osage and Ottawa
Pawnee's score of 48.09 is substantially lower than neighboring Osage (78.09) and Ottawa (76.05) counties, positioning it as the safest in the immediate region. Despite lower overall risk, Pawnee shares significant wildfire concerns with its neighbors.
Wildfire and tornado are primary concerns
Pawnee's wildfire risk score of 86.80 stands out as notably high, while tornado risk of 70.01 represents a secondary but real threat. Flood risk is more moderate at 35.37, reflecting the county's geography and storm patterns.
Prioritize wildfire and wind protection
Homeowners in Pawnee should focus insurance and preparation efforts on wildfire (86.80) and tornado risk (70.01) given the county's profile. Ensure wind coverage is robust and consider defensible space improvements; standard homeowners policies should cover most needs given relatively lower flood risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pawnee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pawnee County
Risk Verdict
Pawnee County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 48th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. At the 48th percentile, Pawnee County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pawnee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (35th percentile), earthquake (32th percentile), hurricane (14th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Pawnee County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 87th percentile nationally. Pawnee County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. The county's tornado exposure at the 70th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. For Pawnee County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Oklahoma county average exceeds Pawnee County's score by 7.4 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Pawnee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pawnee County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Pawnee County?
How does Pawnee County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Pawnee County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Pawnee 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.