Natural Disaster Risk in Pawnee County

Natural Hazard Profile: Pawnee County, Oklahoma

Pawnee County is located in the United States in Oklahoma, home to roughly 15,493 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, Pawnee County carries an overall risk score of 6.3/10, 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 wildfire and drought.

Pawnee County's risk score, near 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 Pawnee County, the highest-scoring are ice storm, wildfire, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a high natural disaster risk rating, Pawnee County residents benefit from taking preparedness seriously. Reviewing insurance coverage for ice storm and secondary hazards, registering for emergency alerts, and maintaining a household emergency kit are practical steps that can significantly reduce impact during a major event.