Natural Disaster Risk in Goodwell

Natural Hazard Profile: Goodwell, Oklahoma

Goodwell is a small community of about 1,421 in Texas County, in the Great Plains. The area 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 pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Goodwell.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Goodwell carries an overall risk score of 5.9/10, 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 winter and cold wave.

Goodwell'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 Texas County, the highest-scoring are drought, winter, and cold wave. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

Goodwell's moderate risk profile means that while catastrophic events are less frequent, they do occur. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers many common hazards here, but confirming that drought exposure is adequately protected is a worthwhile step for property owners.