Jackson County, Oklahoma Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · OK
MediumComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 86th
Jackson County faces medium composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 86.0, 86th national percentile), driven primarily by strong wind and drought exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $54M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Jackson County carries a medium composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 86.0 out of 100 — placing it in the 86th national percentile and near the national midpoint for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at Very High risk — $44M in expected annual loss and about 4.09 events per year; drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $1M in expected annual loss and about 133.19 events per year; and ice storm (freezing rain that coats surfaces in heavy, damaging ice) at High risk — $511K in expected annual loss and about 0.84 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $54M in expected annual loss for a population of 25K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jackson County has a medium social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). Both measures sit toward the lower end, indicating relatively modest population sensitivity.
The federal record bears this out: Jackson County has received 30 federal disaster declarations since 1973, including 14 for severe storm events and 8 for severe ice storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in June 2024.
Among 77 Oklahoma counties, Jackson County ranks #5 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Strong Wind | Very High | 4.09 / yr | $44M |
| Drought | Medium | 133.19 / yr | $1M |
| Ice Storm | High | 0.84 / yr | $511K |
| Hail | Medium | 8.97 / yr | $993K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 11.32 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Medium | 0.63 / yr | $2M |
| Wildfire | Low | 0.00 / yr | $116K |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 7.68 / yr | $98K |
| Cold Wave | Low | 1.37 / yr | $874K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $156K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $9K |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.86 / yr | $3M |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.11 / yr | $175 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 49.68 / yr | $44K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Jackson County has received 30 federal disaster declarations since 1973, most recently Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding in June 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (14), Severe Ice Storm (8), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storms |
| February 2021 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| December 2020 | Severe Ice Storm | Severe Winter Storm |
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| June 2019 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| February 2016 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Flooding |
| May 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 30 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Jackson County?
Jackson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 86.0 out of 100, placing it in the Medium category and the 86th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jackson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Strong Wind (Very High, $44M EAL), Drought (Medium, $1M EAL), Ice Storm (High, $511K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jackson County compare to other Oklahoma counties?
Jackson County ranks #5 of 77 Oklahoma counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a medium rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jackson County had?
FEMA records 30 federal disaster declarations for Jackson County since 1973, most often 14 for severe storm events and 8 for severe ice storm events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in June 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Jackson County's $54M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.