Natural Disaster Risk in Oxford

Natural Hazard Profile: Oxford, Georgia

Oxford is a city of approximately 10,730 residents in Newton County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, with an active tornado and severe thunderstorm season in spring shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Oxford.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Oxford carries an overall risk score of 5.7/10, placing it in the moderate category. The area faces significant ice storm exposure, where the thermal profile of the atmosphere during winter storms frequently delivers freezing rain rather than snow. The area also faces notable exposure to tornado and hail.

Oxford's risk score, slightly above the 5.2/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Newton County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, tornado, and hail. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Oxford residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for ice storm is recommended.