Natural Disaster Risk in Beaver County

Natural Hazard Profile: Beaver County, Oklahoma

Beaver County is located in the United States in Oklahoma, home to roughly 5,045 residents. The county experiences hot summers, variable winters, and exposure at the center of Tornado Alley, with a globally significant tornado season that peaks in spring shaping the natural hazards faced by its communities. FEMA assesses risk at this county level, providing the baseline for every city and ZIP code within its boundaries.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Beaver County carries an overall risk score of 5.3/10, placing it in the moderate category. Prolonged drought is the primary hazard risk, shaped by low annual rainfall, high evaporation rates, and increasing temperature trends that deepen and lengthen dry periods. The area also faces notable exposure to ice storm and wildfire.

Beaver County's risk score, slightly below the 6.4/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Beaver County, the highest-scoring are drought, ice storm, and wildfire. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Beaver County 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 drought is recommended.