Photo: Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0On FEMA’s figures, few U.S. towns expect more hazard damage per building than Altus, mostly from strong wind
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Altus gets a D− for hazard risk: among the highest expected damage per building of U.S. towns. Most of that expected damage is strong wind (91%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 1983.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Altus faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
Strong wind
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Altus’ grade
Strong wind is 91% of the building damage FEMA expects in Altus, and Altus’ rate of strong wind damage is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts. Tornadoes add 2%, at a rate in the top 3% of U.S. census tracts.
D− #131 of 131 in Oklahoma; among the highest expected damage per building of U.S. towns (21,298).
Altus’ residents live in 5 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Oklahoma town has higher expected damage than 69% of U.S. towns; within the state, Altus has more expected damage per building than 100% of Oklahoma towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $39.3M a year in losses across Altus: $36.4M to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Altus flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 1983
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Altus, from FEMA’s records: 0.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 97% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Altus isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Jackson County.13 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Altus
Disasters that paid out in Altus itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Altus), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2024Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding47 households applied for aid$35K aid approved
- 2020Severe Winter Storm$79K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2019Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding$62K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2015Severe Winter Storms and Flooding$126K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding$83K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2010Severe Winter Storm$1.4M to the City of Altus for repairs
Show all 13
- 2009Severe Winter Storm$51K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2008Severe Storms and Flooding$1.1M to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2007Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes$16K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2007Severe Winter Storms$9K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2005Extreme Wildfire Threat$2K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2001Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes$20K to the City of Altus for repairs
- 2000Severe Winter Ice Storm$18K to the City of Altus for repairs
Jackson County has had 24 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often severe storms, then winter storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Altus after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Altus archive →Get ready for what Altus faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Trim dead limbs over the house and driveway.
- Tie down trash cans and outdoor furniture.
- Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Altus
Is Altus at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Altus has among the highest expected damage per building of U.S. towns: D− for hazard risk. Most of the expected damage is strong wind (91%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Altus flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Altus since 1983, $5K in all, or 0.2 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 97% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Is Altus in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Jackson County, 9% of homes in mapped flood zones carry federal flood insurance, and 0.3% of all homes do.
How much is flood insurance in Altus?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Altus’ flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Altus?
By FEMA money that reached Altus, Severe Winter Storm (2010): $1.4M to the City of Altus for repairs.
Is Altus at risk from strong wind?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (91%), and Altus’ rate for it is in the top 1% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Altus.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Altus’ residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.