Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
76th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#20
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
74th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 74% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 78% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Moderate
Higher than 93% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 29% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, Oklahoma
Washington faces above-average U.S. risk
Washington County scores 76.11 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting well above typical American county exposure levels. The score reflects meaningful vulnerability across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes. Compared to national baselines, Washington residents encounter significantly higher natural disaster risk than average.
Oklahoma's higher-risk counties
Washington County's 76.11 composite score exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it among the state's riskier regions. The county ranks notably higher than most of its Oklahoma peers on natural disaster exposure. This elevated standing reflects Washington's particular vulnerability to tornado and flood events.
Highest risk in immediate region
Washington County scores 76.11, making it riskier than neighboring Wagoner (73.25) and substantially more hazardous than Washita County (31.93) and Woods County (28.09). The county represents a local peak in natural disaster vulnerability across northeastern and north-central Oklahoma. Residents in Washington face notably steeper exposure than surrounding counties.
Tornadoes pose exceptional threat
Tornado risk in Washington County reaches 92.72, the highest among these five counties and far exceeding state norms. Flood risk (74.20) and wildfire risk (78.44) compound the danger, creating a multi-hazard environment where rapid-onset events dominate. The combination of tornado and flood exposure makes Washington one of Oklahoma's most weather-vulnerable counties.
Tornado preparedness is non-negotiable
Washington homeowners must prioritize wind and tornado coverage given the county's exceptional 92.72 tornado risk score—likely the highest in this region. Flood insurance is equally critical with risk at 74.20, especially for properties in flood-prone areas or near waterways. Comprehensive homeowners insurance with adequate liability coverage should be verified annually given these severe, compounding threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County ranks at the 76th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Comprehensive household preparedness — including reviewing insurance, maintaining emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes — is strongly recommended.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 93th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 78th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (74th percentile), earthquake (54th percentile), hurricane (29th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Washington County ranks at the 93th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Washington County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. Alongside tornado exposure, wildfire at the 78th percentile nationally means Washington County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. Washington 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, Washington County runs 20.6 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Washington County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Washington 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.