riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Tulsa County Disaster Risk

Tulsa County, Oklahoma

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively High

National Percentile

98th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#2

of 77 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

98th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively High

Higher than 98% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Moderate

Higher than 91% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively High

Higher than 99% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 90% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Tulsa County, Oklahoma

Tulsa County faces highest national risk

Tulsa County's composite risk score of 97.90 places it in the relatively high category nationally, far exceeding the Oklahoma state average of 55.47. This major metropolitan county experiences substantial natural disaster exposure across all hazard types.

Oklahoma's highest-risk county

Tulsa County ranks as Oklahoma's most hazard-prone county by composite risk, with a score 76% above the state average. The county faces natural disaster exposure unmatched by any other Oklahoma community.

Far exceeds risk in adjacent counties

Tulsa County's 97.90 score dramatically outpaces neighboring Rogers County (80.06) and all surrounding communities, reflecting the urban density and geography of the greater Tulsa metropolitan area. No adjacent county approaches Tulsa's risk exposure.

Tornadoes and floods are critical threats

Tornado risk (99.08) and flood risk (97.93) are Tulsa County's most severe hazards, with both ranking among the highest exposure levels statewide. Wildfire risk (91.25) and earthquake risk (89.92) add substantial additional threats.

Maximum protection measures essential

Tulsa County residents must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood coverage through the NFIP and robust wind/hail protection for tornado season. Investment in a safe room or storm shelter is strongly recommended given the exceptional tornado and flood risk.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Tulsa County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    99th percentile
  2. #2
    FloodPrepare
    98th percentile
  3. #3
    WildfirePrepare
    91th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Tulsa County

Risk Verdict

With a national rank of 98th percentile, Tulsa County faces above-average natural disaster pressure across several hazard categories. High composite risk signals that multiple hazard types are elevated simultaneously; planning for more than one scenario is important in Tulsa County.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Tulsa County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 99th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 98th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (91th percentile), earthquake (90th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tulsa County's primary hazard, tornado, ranks at the 99th percentile nationally. In Tulsa County, mobile homes and manufactured housing face significantly higher tornado risk than site-built structures; residents in these homes should identify the nearest permanent community shelter in advance. The secondary flood hazard at the 98th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Tulsa County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. The highest-risk window for tornado fatalities is overnight, when Tulsa County residents may be asleep. A NOAA weather radio with overnight alert capability is the single most impactful low-cost preparedness step available to Tulsa County households.

Regional Context

Tulsa County falls 42.4 points above Oklahoma's typical county risk level, which means the hazard environment here is notably more demanding than the state baseline.

Is your household prepared for Tulsa County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Tulsa County, OK?
Tulsa County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively High, placing it in the 98th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Tulsa County?
Tulsa County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (99th percentile), flooding (98th percentile), wildfire (91th percentile), earthquake (90th percentile), hurricane (46th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 99th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Tulsa County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Tulsa County's composite risk percentile is 98th, compared to the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Tulsa County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Oklahoma.
Is Tulsa County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Tulsa County's tornado risk is at the 99th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Tulsa County is at the 98th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Tulsa County higher risk than average?
Tulsa County's composite risk score of 98th percentile is above the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by tornado exposure (99th percentile), along with flooding and wildfire and earthquake risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Oklahoma County

Oklahoma

+0.0

Relatively High

98th percentile

Cleveland County

Oklahoma

-6.6

Relatively Moderate

91th percentile

Comanche County

Oklahoma

-11.7

Relatively Moderate

86th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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