Payne County Disaster Risk
Payne County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#6
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 30% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Payne County, Oklahoma
Payne faces elevated national disaster risk
Payne County's composite risk score of 83.94 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above the national average and among the nation's higher-risk counties. This reflects particularly acute tornado and wildfire exposure across the county.
Among Oklahoma's highest-risk counties
At 83.94, Payne's composite score significantly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, ranking it among the state's most hazard-prone counties. The county's risk is driven by exceptionally high tornado and wildfire exposure.
Clear regional risk leader in central Oklahoma
Payne's score of 83.94 places it ahead of nearby Pottawatomie County (82.32) and well above Pontotoc County (62.91) and Pushmataha County (32.79). Payne stands as the highest-risk county in its immediate region.
Tornadoes and wildfires create compound threat
Payne County faces an extraordinary tornado risk of 94.72 and wildfire risk of 89.60—among Oklahoma's highest in both categories. Flood risk at 67.62 adds a third significant concern, particularly during spring storm season.
Invest in comprehensive multi-hazard coverage
Payne County residents face multiple serious threats and should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit wind/hail, wildfire, and flood coverage. Consider a separate flood policy, maintain defensible space around structures, and identify safe shelter locations for tornadoes.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Payne County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Payne County
Risk Verdict
Payne County's overall risk score at the 84th percentile nationally signals meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Payne County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 90th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (68th percentile), earthquake (58th percentile), hurricane (30th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Payne County ranks at the 95th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Payne County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 90th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Payne County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Payne 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
Compared to other Oklahoma counties, Payne County runs 28.5 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Payne County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Payne County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Payne County?
How does Payne County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Payne County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Payne 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.