riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Ballard County Disaster Risk

Ballard County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

40th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#61

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

12th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 12% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 6% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Moderate

Higher than 89% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 30% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Ballard County, Kentucky

Ballard's earthquake risk stands out nationally

Ballard County scores 39.63 overall—below the national average—but its earthquake risk of 88.93 is exceptionally high compared to most U.S. counties. This geologic vulnerability shapes the county's risk profile despite low flood and wildfire exposure.

Mid-range Kentucky county with unique earthquake threat

Ballard's composite score of 39.63 sits below Kentucky's 44.21 average, but its 88.93 earthquake risk ranks among the state's highest. The county represents an unusual risk concentration in a single hazard type.

Earthquake risk distinguishes Ballard from peers

While Ballard's overall 39.63 score is competitive with neighbors, its 88.93 earthquake rating dramatically exceeds Allen County (75.03) and most regional peers. This geological vulnerability is Ballard's defining risk characteristic.

Earthquake risk dominates; tornado risk moderate

Earthquake hazard at 88.93 is Ballard's overwhelming concern, ranking among Kentucky's highest exposure. Tornado risk at 31.71 remains moderate, while flood (12.25) and wildfire (6.01) risks are minimal.

Earthquake insurance is essential for Ballard

Ballard County residents face exceptional earthquake risk and should strongly prioritize earthquake insurance to protect their most valuable asset. Supplement coverage by securing heavy furniture and securing water heaters to wall studs.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Ballard County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    89th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    32th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    30th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Ballard County

Risk Verdict

Ballard County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 40th percentile nationally. Being ranked at the 40th percentile nationally is an advantage for Ballard County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Ballard County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 32th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (30th percentile), flood (12th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Ballard County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 89th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. The county's tornado risk at the 32th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Ballard County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

At just 4.6 composite points from the Kentucky average, Ballard County's natural disaster risk is closely in line with its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Ballard County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Ballard County, KY?
Ballard County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Ballard County?
Ballard County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (89th percentile), tornado (32th percentile), hurricane (30th percentile), flooding (12th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 89th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Ballard County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Ballard County's composite risk percentile is 40th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Ballard County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Ballard County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Ballard County's earthquake risk is at the 89th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Ballard County is at the 12th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Ballard County a safe place to live?
Ballard County's composite risk score of 40th percentile is below the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 89th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Breckinridge County

Kentucky

-0.1

Very Low

40th percentile

Jessamine County

Kentucky

+0.2

Very Low

40th percentile

Adair County

Kentucky

-0.2

Very Low

39th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data Source

Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.

Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.

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