Natural Disaster Risk in Beckham County

Natural Hazard Profile: Beckham County, Oklahoma

Beckham County is located in the United States in Oklahoma, home to roughly 22,355 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, Beckham County carries an overall risk score of 6.8/10, placing it in the high 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 drought and wildfire.

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

Beckham County's high risk designation reflects meaningful exposure to natural hazards. Residents should verify that their insurance covers the area's primary risks, prepare a family emergency plan, and stay informed about seasonal hazard peaks through local weather and emergency management services.