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

Woods County Disaster Risk

Woods County, Oklahoma

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

28th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#66

of 77 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

13th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 13% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 75% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 24% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Woods County, Oklahoma

Woods County remains exceptionally safe

Woods County scores just 28.09 on composite risk, achieving a Very Low rating and ranking among America's safest counties by natural disaster exposure. The score reflects minimal vulnerability across nearly all major hazard categories. Compared to national averages, Woods residents benefit from dramatically lower natural disaster risk than typical U.S. counties.

Oklahoma's lowest-risk county profile

Woods County's 28.09 composite score sits far below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it among the state's safest regions for natural disaster exposure. The county ranks as one of Oklahoma's most favorable locations from a hazard perspective. Woods residents enjoy below-average vulnerability statewide across all major threat categories.

Safest in this five-county group

Woods County scores 28.09, the lowest composite risk among all five counties and substantially safer than Washita (31.93), Woodward (41.63), Wagoner (73.25), and Washington (76.11). The county represents a regional low point for natural disaster exposure. Residents benefit from notably better risk profiles than surrounding communities.

Wildfire is only notable hazard

Wildfire risk (74.68) is the only meaningful natural disaster threat in Woods County, likely driven by grassland management and seasonal conditions. Tornado risk (33.56) remains well below state norms, and flood, earthquake, and hurricane risks all register as minimal. Seasonal wildfire awareness is the primary hazard management priority.

Basic homeowners insurance is adequate

Woods County homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance policies without specialized riders, given the county's exceptional 28.09 composite risk score. Property maintenance focused on defensible space during wildfire season offers greater protection than premium increases. Annual policy review ensures adequate coverage, but no extraordinary measures are necessary.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Woods County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    WildfirePrepare
    75th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    34th percentile
  3. #3
    EarthquakePrepare
    24th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Woods County

Risk Verdict

Natural disaster exposure in Woods County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 28th percentile. The 28th percentile national ranking is one lens; Woods County residents also benefit from reviewing which specific hazard types drive the county's composite score and preparing accordingly.

Hazard Breakdown

Wildfire risk is Woods County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 34th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (24th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile), flood (13th percentile).

Preparedness Context

At the 75th percentile nationally for wildfire, Woods County residents should verify whether their insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for structures and whether the insurer still writes new policies in this fire-risk zone. A secondary tornado exposure at the 34th percentile nationally means Woods County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. Local USFS or Cal Fire (where applicable) fire risk maps and seasonal Red Flag Warning alerts from the National Weather Service are two free resources Woods County residents can use to stay ahead of rapidly changing wildfire conditions.

Regional Context

Woods County is 27.4 composite risk points below the Oklahoma state mean, meaning most other Oklahoma counties face higher natural hazard exposure.

Is your household prepared for Woods 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 Woods County, OK?
Woods County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 28th 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 Woods County?
Woods County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: wildfire (75th percentile), tornado (34th percentile), earthquake (24th percentile), hurricane (19th percentile), flooding (13th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is wildfire at the 75th 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 Woods County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Woods County's composite risk percentile is 28th, compared to the Oklahoma state average of 56th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Woods County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Oklahoma.
Is Woods County at risk for wildfire?
Yes, Woods County's wildfire risk is at the 75th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Woods County is at the 13th 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 Woods County a safe place to live?
Woods County's composite risk score of 28th 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 75th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.