Woodward County Disaster Risk
Woodward County, Oklahoma
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 77 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
37th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 89% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 33% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 21% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Woodward County, Oklahoma
Woodward's risk remains below national average
Woodward County scores 41.63 on composite risk, earning a Very Low rating while staying modestly below typical U.S. county baseline exposure. The score reflects limited but non-negligible vulnerability concentrated in wildfire and tornado hazards. Compared to national standards, Woodward residents enjoy substantially lower natural disaster risk than average Americans.
Below-average risk statewide
Woodward County's 41.63 composite score falls beneath Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, positioning it as a lower-risk Oklahoma region. The county ranks favorably compared to most state peers in natural disaster exposure. Woodward residents benefit from below-average hazard vulnerability relative to the state's broader profile.
Moderate risk in northwest cluster
Woodward County scores 41.63, riskier than nearby Woods (28.09) and Washita (31.93) but far safer than the northeastern counties of Wagoner (73.25) and Washington (76.11). The county occupies a middle position within this five-county comparison. Woodward's risk profile reflects a balance of modest western Oklahoma hazards.
Wildfire dominates Woodward's hazards
Wildfire risk peaks at 89.28 in Woodward County, making it the primary natural disaster concern for property owners and land managers. Tornado risk (51.37) ranks second and remains noteworthy, while flood risk (36.83) and earthquake risk (33.33) pose minimal threats. Seasonal wildfire management and monitoring become essential practices for all residents.
Prioritize wildfire coverage now
Woodward homeowners should verify wildfire insurance coverage or riders given the county's high 89.28 wildfire risk score. Standard homeowners policies often exclude or limit wildfire damage, making explicit coverage a critical gap to address. Annual policy reviews should focus on wildfire exposure, particularly for properties near vegetation or in rural settings.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Woodward County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Woodward County
Risk Verdict
Woodward County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 42th percentile nationally. Even at the 42th percentile, Woodward County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Woodward County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 51th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (37th percentile), earthquake (33th percentile), hurricane (21th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 89th percentile nationally for wildfire risk, Woodward County households benefit from creating defensible space — a buffer of reduced vegetation around structures — and reviewing whether homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage in this region. The county's tornado exposure at the 51th percentile nationally complements the wildfire risk — saturating rain after burn scarring often triggers secondary flood and debris flow events. Enrolling in the county's wireless emergency alert system and keeping a vehicle at least half-full during peak fire season are low-cost habits that dramatically reduce evacuation lag time for Woodward County residents.
Regional Context
Woodward County falls 13.8 points below Oklahoma's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Woodward County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Woodward County, OK?
What types of natural hazards affect Woodward County?
How does Woodward County risk compare to the Oklahoma average?
Is Woodward County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Woodward County a safe place to live?
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.