Quick Answer:
Among Sprague’s Backhoe installations across Oklahoma in 2025, the 7×9 above ground storm shelter was chosen most often (40% of above ground installations), followed by the 5×7 (36%). For below ground shelters, the 6×8 slope front led at 47%. Overall, 67% of our installations were above ground and 33% were below ground. These numbers reflect what families prioritized: size, affordability, and accessibility. All of the shelters we install are designed to meet and exceed FEMA 320 and 361 guidelines for tornado protection.
Introduction
After installing storm shelters across Oklahoma for over 20 years, one of the first questions people ask is simple: “What size do most people get?”
It’s a fair question. When you’re making a decision this important, it helps to know what other Oklahoma families are choosing — not because you’ll automatically do the same, but because it gives context.
The data below comes from our own installations across Oklahoma in 2025. It reflects what our customers chose, not statewide statistics. After hundreds of installations over the years, clear patterns emerge, and those patterns can help you think through your options.
This article breaks down what families chose in 2025 and why those trends exist.
Whether you’re early in your research or narrowing down your final decision, use this as context — not a rule. Popularity doesn’t equal “right for you.” Your family size, budget, property layout, and accessibility needs matter more than any percentage.
The Big Picture: Above Ground vs Below Ground in 2025
Before breaking down individual sizes, here’s the overall picture. In 2025, 67% of the storm shelters we installed were above ground and 33% were below ground.
This trend has continued over the past several years. Above ground installations are increasing because they eliminate stairs, allow flexible placement, and are not dependent on soil conditions or water tables. (Explore our above ground storm shelter options.)
For families with mobility concerns, removing stairs is often the deciding factor. For others, it’s simply convenience — faster entry during severe weather and easier access for children and pets.
That said, a third of our customers still chose below ground shelters in 2025. Some prefer a traditional underground design, while others have property layouts that favor underground placement. Below ground installations are typically performed within a ~60-mile radius of Blanchard, Oklahoma. (View our below ground storm shelter options.)
Above Ground Shelters: What Our Customers Chose
7×9: The Clear Leader at 40%
The 7×9 above ground shelter was our most installed model in 2025, continuing its lead from 2024. (Read why the 7×9 was our top pick in 2024.)
With 63 square feet of interior space, it fits 12–21 people at FEMA minimum capacity, with a more comfortable range of 6–9. For many Oklahoma families, that balance of space and investment makes it the most practical choice.
Why families choose the 7×9:
- Room for immediate family plus additional occupants if needed
- Space for pets and essential supplies
- Largest above ground interior option available
- Long-term flexibility for growing households
Families who choose the 7×9 are prioritizing interior space and comfort during severe weather. When sirens go off in the middle of the night, having additional room makes a noticeable difference.
5×7: Strong Second at 36%
The 5×7 accounted for 36% of above ground installations in 2025. It is our most affordable above ground option.
With 35 square feet of interior space, it fits 7–11 people at FEMA minimum capacity, with a more comfortable range of 3–5.
Why families choose the 5×7:
- Most affordable above ground option
- Practical for smaller households
- Built to the same standards as larger models
- Protection without paying for unused space
The 5×7 is often selected by smaller families, retirees, or households working within a specific budget. It provides the same level of engineered protection as larger sizes — simply with less interior space.
6×8: The Middle Ground at 24%
The 6×8 above ground shelter accounted for 24% of installations in 2025. With 48 square feet of interior space, it fits 9–16 people at FEMA minimum capacity, with a more comfortable range of 4–6.
Over the years, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern: many buyers choose either the most affordable option or the largest available. The middle size often gets overlooked.
If budget is the priority, families choose the 5×7. If maximum space is the goal, they choose the 7×9. The 6×8 sits between those two extremes.
One factor that does influence buyers is the farmhouse design option. For families who want their shelter to blend with their property’s aesthetic, that detail can make the difference.
If the 5×7 feels tight but the 7×9 feels unnecessary, the 6×8 is a practical fit. Popularity percentages shouldn’t override what works best for your household.
Below Ground Shelters: The Underground Story
6×8 Slope Front: The Traditional Favorite at 47%
Nearly half of below ground installations in 2025 were the 6×8 slope front model. It remains the most selected underground option.
With 48 square feet of interior space, it fits 9–16 people at FEMA minimum capacity, with a more comfortable range of 4–6.
Why families choose the 6×8 slope front:
- Most affordable below ground option
- Proven, traditional underground design
- Reliable protection without moving to the largest size
The slope front uses a steeper interior stair design and is often selected by families who prefer a traditional underground shelter at the lowest price point.
7×10 Jumbo: Maximum Underground Space at 36%
The 7×10 jumbo slope front accounted for 36% of below ground installations in 2025. It is our largest underground option.
With 70 square feet of interior space, it fits 14–23 people at FEMA minimum capacity, with a more comfortable range of 8–10.
Why families choose the 7×10 jumbo:
- Maximum underground space
- Better fit for larger families or multiple households
- Extra storage for emergency supplies
- More comfortable for those who feel confined in smaller shelters
Families who select the jumbo are prioritizing space. It’s often chosen by larger households or by families who want extra room during severe weather. The additional square footage also allows for storage of emergency supplies between storms.
Easy Access: 16% of Below Ground Installations
The Easy Access model accounted for 16% of underground installations in 2025.
Like the standard 6×8 slope front, it provides 48 square feet of interior space, fitting 9–16 people at FEMA minimum capacity, with a more comfortable range of 4–6. The key difference is the stair design. Easy Access uses a more gradual interior stair angle, improving entry but taking up more space at the same time.
It typically carries a higher price than the standard slope front, and that influences buying decisions. Many families choosing below ground shelters follow a consistent pattern: they select either the most affordable option (6×8 slope front) or the largest option (7×10 jumbo). The Easy Access sits between those two in both price and positioning.
Another factor is the continued shift toward above ground shelters. Many families who might have chosen Easy Access in the past are now selecting above ground instead. If stair navigation is the primary concern, eliminating stairs entirely often becomes the more practical solution. As awareness of above ground options has increased, accessibility has become a stronger decision driver.
For properties where underground placement makes the most sense — but a more manageable stair entry is important — the Easy Access model provides that balance.
Popularity percentages provide context, not direction. The right choice depends on your household’s layout, accessibility needs, and budget.
What These Numbers Mean for Your Decision
After years of installing storm shelters across Oklahoma, here’s the practical takeaway: trends are helpful, but your specific situation matters more.
The “cheapest or biggest” pattern is real. Many families either choose the most affordable option to secure protection now, or they invest in the largest size for maximum space. Both approaches are valid.
If you fall somewhere in between, don’t second-guess it. A 6×8 above ground or Easy Access below ground may be the right fit, even if fewer people selected them this year.
What matters more than popularity:
- Family Size: How many people need to fit comfortably? Include pets, elderly family members, or neighbors who may shelter with you.
- Budget: Choose what you can realistically afford. Securing protection now often matters more than waiting for the largest option.
- Property Considerations: Do you have space for above ground? Is your soil suitable for below ground? Is there a specific location that makes more sense for one type over the other?
- Accessibility Needs: Can everyone in your household enter the shelter quickly and safely during a warning?
- Long-Term Plans: Are you staying long-term? Planning to expand your household? Future needs should factor into size decisions.
These numbers are meant to provide context — not direction. The most popular option isn’t automatically the right one. In many cases, the best decision is the one that fits your household, not the trend.
How Sprague’s Backhoe Helps Oklahoma Families Choose
Sprague’s Backhoe is a locally owned and operated, insured contractor based in Blanchard, Oklahoma. We’ve been installing storm shelters since 2013, with over 20 years of industry experience. Every installation is handled by us — no subcontractors and no rotating crews. You work directly with us through scheduling and preparation, and we personally complete the installation — no subcontractors, no rotating crews.
We’re not pushy about sizing. Most families can be safely accommodated by more than one standard option. Our role is to help you evaluate your household size, property layout, accessibility needs, and budget — then you decide what fits best.
Above ground shelters are installed statewide (delivery charges may apply beyond approximately 60 miles from Blanchard). Below ground installations are typically performed within a ~60-mile radius of Blanchard, serving communities such as Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Mustang, Chickasha, Tuttle, Newcastle, and El Reno.
All of the shelters we install are designed to meet and exceed FEMA 320 and 361 guidelines for residential and commercial applications. They are engineered for extreme wind and impact conditions, including EF5-level tornado forces.
If you’re unsure which size makes sense, you can also take our Storm Shelter Quiz to narrow down your options before calling.
Whether you choose the most popular model or a middle-ground option, the goal is simple: protection that fits your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 7×9 the most popular above ground size?
With 63 square feet of interior space, the 7×9 fits 12–21 people at FEMA minimum capacity, with a more comfortable range of 6–9. It offers meaningful interior space without moving to a commercial-sized footprint, making it a practical balance for many Oklahoma families.
Is the 5×7 big enough for a family of four?
Yes. The 5×7 provides 35 square feet, fitting 7–11 people at FEMA minimum capacity, with a more comfortable range of 3–5. A family of four typically fits well, with room for pets and essential supplies. Consider future household needs when deciding.
Why do more people choose above ground now?
Above ground shelters eliminate stairs, simplify entry, and allow flexible placement without soil or water-table concerns. For many households, faster and easier access during severe weather is the deciding factor.
Should I choose based on what’s most popular?
No. Popularity provides context, not direction. Your household size, budget, property layout, and accessibility needs matter more than trend data.
Do storm shelter sizes meet FEMA guidelines?
All of the shelters we install are designed to meet or exceed FEMA 320 and 361 guidelines for wind resistance and impact protection. FEMA does not “certify” individual shelters, but our models are engineered to meet the specifications outlined in FEMA safe room guidelines. This applies to all sizes, both above ground and below ground.
How do I know which size is right for my family?
Start with how many people need to fit comfortably, including pets. Evaluate your budget, property layout, accessibility needs, and long-term plans. The right size is the one that fits your household — not the one that ranks highest in percentage.
Why are the middle-sized options less popular?
Many buyers choose either the most affordable option or the largest available. Middle sizes, such as the 6×8 above ground or Easy Access below ground, sit between those two priorities. They remain strong options for households that need moderate space without moving to the largest footprint.
Key Takeaways
In 2025, the 7×9 above ground storm shelter was our most installed size, accounting for 40% of above ground installations. The 5×7 followed at 36%, reinforcing that affordability remains a major decision factor.
For below ground shelters, the 6×8 slope front led at 47%, followed by the 7×10 jumbo at 36%. The Easy Access model accounted for 16%, as many households prioritizing accessibility are now choosing above ground options instead.
Overall, 67% of our 2025 installations were above ground and 33% were below ground — continuing the shift toward easier access and placement flexibility.
Popularity provides context, not direction. While many buyers choose either the most affordable or the largest option, middle sizes such as the 6×8 above ground or Easy Access below ground may be the right fit for certain households.
Sprague’s Backhoe installs all standard sizes across Oklahoma. All of the shelters we install are designed to meet and exceed FEMA 320 and 361 guidelines. Every installation is handled directly by us — no subcontractors — and families receive clear, pressure-free guidance throughout the decision process.
Ready to Choose the Right Storm Shelter for Your Family?
Knowing what others choose is helpful, but finding the right fit for your family is what matters. Whether you’re leaning toward the most popular 7×9, want the affordability of a 5×7, or need something completely different, we’re here to help you think it through.
Call us at (405) 600-4905 to discuss your specific situation and get a free quote. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest answers about which storm shelter size makes sense for your family and property.
