Bell County Disaster Risk
Bell County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
68th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#24
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
82th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 82% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bell County, Kentucky
Bell County faces considerably above-average risk
Bell County scores 68.00 with a Relatively Low rating, exceeding the national average substantially. The county's wildfire risk of 73.25 and flood risk of 82.03 reflect genuine vulnerability to multiple major hazards.
Among Kentucky's highest-risk counties
Bell County ranks 68.00 against the state average of 44.21, placing it in the riskier tier of Kentucky counties. Only Boone County (74.46) and Barren County (67.91) rank meaningfully higher.
Bell's risk substantially exceeds nearby areas
Bell County (68.00) carries risk comparable to Barren County (67.91) but far exceeds the safety of adjacent counties like Anderson (26.34). The county sits in Kentucky's highest-risk region.
Flood and wildfire pose dual threats
Flood risk dominates at 82.03—among Kentucky's highest—while wildfire risk of 73.25 is exceptional for the state. Together these hazards far outweigh tornado (41.63) and other threats Bell residents face.
Flood and wildfire coverage is essential
Bell County homeowners must prioritize flood insurance (excluded from standard policies) and verify wildfire/brush fire coverage in their homeowners policy. Consider elevating critical infrastructure and clearing vegetation defensively around your home.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bell County
Risk Verdict
Bell County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure, ranking at the 68th percentile across all U.S. counties. Understanding the specific hazards behind Bell County's ranking helps residents prioritize where to direct emergency planning efforts.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Bell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 73th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (59th percentile), tornado (42th percentile), hurricane (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood ranked as the primary hazard at the 82th percentile nationally, Bell County households should build a go-bag that includes important documents, medications, and supplies to sustain the family for at least three days if evacuation is needed. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 73th percentile nationally, means Bell County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A waterproof container for documents (insurance policies, ID, prescriptions) and a clear household communication plan for when phone networks are congested are the two highest-value low-cost preparedness steps for Bell County households.
Regional Context
A composite score 23.8 points above the Kentucky state average puts Bell County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Bell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bell County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Bell County?
How does Bell County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Bell County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Bell County higher risk than average?
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.