Pittsburg County Disaster Risk
Pittsburg County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
73th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#27
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
67th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 67% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively High
Higher than 95% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 81% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma
Pittsburg County faces above-average disaster risk
Pittsburg County's composite risk score of 73.28 places it in the relatively low category but well above the national average. The county's wildfire risk of 95.20 is particularly notable and ranks among the highest in the nation.
Higher risk than average across Oklahoma
At 73.28, Pittsburg's composite score exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it in the state's upper tier of risk. The county's wildfire exposure is especially pronounced compared to state peers.
Regional wildfire hotspot in southeast Oklahoma
Pittsburg's score of 73.28 is significantly higher than nearby Pushmataha County (32.79) and Pontotoc County (62.91), making it the highest-risk county in the immediate area. Its wildfire score of 95.20 is the most extreme in the region.
Wildfire dominates Pittsburg's hazard profile
Pittsburg's wildfire risk of 95.20 is among the nation's highest and stands as the county's most critical natural hazard. Tornado risk at 81.20 and flood risk at 67.08 create additional, though secondary, concerns for the county.
Make wildfire protection your top priority
Pittsburg County homeowners should prioritize wildfire insurance coverage and physical property hardening—clearing vegetation, installing fire-resistant roofing, and creating defensible space around structures. Ensure comprehensive wind coverage for tornado risk and verify flood coverage separately, particularly for low-lying properties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pittsburg County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pittsburg County
Risk Verdict
Pittsburg County's FEMA risk score places it at the 73th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Pittsburg County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (67th percentile), earthquake (58th percentile), hurricane (44th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Pittsburg County sits at the 95th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Pittsburg County's county emergency alert system and knowing the pre-planned evacuation route before conditions deteriorate are the two highest-value preparedness actions for residents here. A secondary tornado exposure at the 81th percentile nationally means Pittsburg County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. In Pittsburg County, wildfire smoke often precedes the flame front by hours or days; households benefit from tracking EPA's AirNow.gov and having HEPA air filtration available as a first line of indoor protection when air quality alerts are issued.
Regional Context
The Oklahoma county average is 17.8 composite points below Pittsburg County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Pittsburg County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pittsburg County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Pittsburg County?
How does Pittsburg County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Pittsburg County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pittsburg 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.