Hunt & Live

Cleveland County, OK

299,587 residents · 539 sq mi · 555.9/sq mi · 16% rural

Climate
61.1°F
37.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.19
Hardiness
Zone 8b
Winter low ~18°F

About Cleveland County

Cleveland County is a county in the central part of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population was 295,528 at the 2020 United States census, making it the third-most populous county in Oklahoma. Its county seat is Norman. The county was named for U.S. President Grover Cleveland. Cleveland County is part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan statistical area.

36
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2421 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of urban and rural environments, with a population density of 555.9 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 61.1°F and an average of 37.6 inches of rainfall per year, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops in USDA zone 8b. However, the relatively high density may limit opportunities for complete self-sufficiency in food production, and the humid climate could pose challenges for certain types of agriculture.

Cleveland County faces significant natural hazards, with ice storms ranked at 100 and tornadoes at 96 on the FEMA scale. The area also experiences high risks for hail, cold waves, and heat waves, which could impact agricultural activities and overall safety. The population density percentile at 92 suggests a relatively crowded environment, which may not appeal to those seeking isolation. Additionally, the median home price of $203,900 could be a barrier for some aspiring homesteaders.

This county might suit individuals who appreciate a blend of rural living with access to urban amenities, particularly those with some financial resources. Those who thrive here may be adaptable to the challenges posed by natural hazards and can manage the risks associated with a higher population density. However, individuals seeking complete isolation or a lower cost of living may find this area less favorable due to its urban proximity and higher housing costs.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #2,686 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#64 of 77 in OK
Ranked #64 of 77 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: ice storm
FEMA ranks ice storm risk at 100/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 556/sqmi
Densely populated at 556 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 61.1°F annual mean and 37.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 8b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $203,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
9
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
91
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
92
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
91.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 98
Drought 75
Earthquake 86
Hail 99
Hurricane 37
Heat Wave 97
Riverine Flood 88
Ice Storm 100
Landslide 58
Lightning 74
Strong Wind 96
Tornado 96
Wildfire 85
Winter Weather 96

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
93.5°F
Winter low
28°F
Heating degree days
3,365
Cooling degree days
1,975

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$203,900
Median HH income
$71,757
Price to income
2.8×
Property tax rate
1.08%
~$2,202/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
34.8
Homeownership
63.9%
Poverty rate
12.8%
Unemployment
4.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
76.8%
No internet access
6.3%

Explore Cleveland County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.