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

Washita County Disaster Risk

Washita County, Oklahoma

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

32th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#63

of 77 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

20th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 20% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 69% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 61% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 43% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 25% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Washita County, Oklahoma

Washita remains well below national risk

Washita County scores just 31.93 on composite risk, earning a Very Low rating and sitting comfortably below typical U.S. county exposure. The score reflects modest natural disaster vulnerability across all major hazard categories. Compared to national averages, Washita residents enjoy significantly lower natural disaster risk than most Americans.

One of Oklahoma's safest counties

Washita County's 31.93 composite score falls well below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, making it one of the state's lower-risk regions. The county ranks favorably compared to most of its Oklahoma peers in natural disaster exposure. Washita residents benefit from below-average hazard vulnerability statewide.

Safest among these five counties

Washita County scores 31.93, substantially lower than neighboring Wagoner (73.25), Washington (76.11), and Woodward (41.63) counties. Only Woods County (28.09) poses less natural disaster risk in this regional comparison. Washita's favorable risk profile stands out as notably safer relative to nearby communities.

Wildfire and tornado risks remain modest

Washita County's primary hazards are wildfire (68.89) and tornado risk (60.72), both elevated compared to the county's overall low composite score. Flood risk (19.75) is exceptionally low, offering residents protection from the region's wettest events. Earthquake and hurricane risks remain negligible for planning purposes.

Standard homeowners coverage suffices

Washita homeowners can rely on comprehensive homeowners insurance policies without requiring specialized wildfire or flood riders, given the county's very low 31.93 composite risk score. Basic wind coverage for the modest tornado risk (60.72) is prudent but unlikely to command premium increases. Annual policy review remains a best practice even in low-risk counties.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Washita County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    69th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    61th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    43th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Washita County

Risk Verdict

Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Washita County ranks at the 32th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. At the 32th percentile nationally, Washita County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Washita County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (43th percentile), hurricane (25th percentile), flood (20th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Washita County sits at the 69th percentile for wildfire exposure. Signing up for Washita 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. Alongside wildfire, tornado at the 61th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. In Washita 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

At 23.5 points below the Oklahoma state average, Washita County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Is your household prepared for Washita 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 Washita County, OK?
Washita County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 32th 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 Washita County?
Washita County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (69th percentile), tornado (61th percentile), earthquake (43th percentile), hurricane (25th percentile), flooding (20th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 69th 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 Washita County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Washita County's composite risk percentile is 32th, compared to the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Washita County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Oklahoma.
Is Washita County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Washita County's wildfire risk is at the 69th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Washita County is at the 20th 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.
Is Washita County a safe place to live?
Washita County's composite risk score of 32th percentile is below the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is wildfire at the 69th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Blaine County

Oklahoma

+0.4

Very Low

32th percentile

Coal County

Oklahoma

+0.5

Very Low

32th percentile

Murray County

Oklahoma

+0.6

Very Low

33th 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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