Pottawatomie County Disaster Risk
Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#11
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
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma
Pottawatomie faces elevated national disaster risk
Pottawatomie County's composite risk score of 82.32 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above the national average. The county ranks among the nation's higher-risk areas, driven by exceptionally high tornado exposure and elevated wildfire risk.
Among Oklahoma's highest-risk counties
At 82.32, Pottawatomie's composite score significantly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, ranking it among the state's most hazard-prone counties. Only a few Oklahoma counties face greater overall natural disaster exposure.
Clear regional risk leader in central Oklahoma
Pottawatomie's score of 82.32 nearly matches Payne County (83.94) as the region's highest-risk county, substantially exceeding Pontotoc (62.91), Pawnee (48.09), and Pushmataha (32.79). It anchors the high-risk zone in central Oklahoma.
Tornadoes pose the greatest threat here
Pottawatomie's tornado risk of 96.56 is among the highest in the nation, making it the county's dominant hazard concern. Wildfire risk at 92.24 and earthquake risk at 68.42 add significant secondary threats that require preparation.
Tornado preparation is critical in Pottawatomie
Pottawatomie County residents face extraordinary tornado risk (96.56) and should prioritize identifying or building safe shelter and maintaining comprehensive wind/hail coverage in their insurance. Add wildfire and earthquake coverage to policies, and ensure flood protection is adequate for this multi-hazard environment.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Pottawatomie County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Pottawatomie County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 82th percentile, Pottawatomie County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Pottawatomie County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Pottawatomie County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 92th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (68th percentile), flood (67th percentile), hurricane (38th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Pottawatomie County households benefit most from a reliable alert system — a NOAA weather radio that activates during overnight hours when residents may not be checking smartphone alerts. The secondary wildfire hazard at the 92th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Pottawatomie County's preparedness calendar, since wildfire and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. For Pottawatomie County households, a pre-decided family shelter plan — who goes where, how children are retrieved from school during a warning, and a neighborhood meet-up point if phones fail — provides real protection that no supply kit alone can replicate.
Regional Context
At 26.8 points above the Oklahoma state average, Pottawatomie County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Oklahoma county.
Is your household prepared for Pottawatomie County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Pottawatomie County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Pottawatomie County?
How does Pottawatomie County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Pottawatomie County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Pottawatomie 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.