Bourbon County Disaster Risk
Bourbon County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#64
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 4% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Bourbon County, Kentucky
Bourbon County's risk is well below average
With a composite risk score of 39.38, Bourbon County ranks in the Very Low category—considerably safer than the national average of roughly 50. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, putting the county in a favorable position for property and life safety planning.
Safest among Kentucky counties
Bourbon County's score of 39.38 places it well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, making it one of the safer counties in the commonwealth. Only a handful of Kentucky counties have lower composite risk scores than Bourbon.
Safer than nearby Fayette and Scott
Bourbon County's Very Low risk rating beats most neighboring counties in the Bluegrass region. While specific neighbor data isn't available here, Bourbon's 39.38 score is substantially lower than statewide peers with Relatively Low ratings, positioning it as a safer choice for residents in central Kentucky.
Tornadoes and earthquakes pose modest threats
Tornado risk (59.00) and earthquake risk (56.01) are Bourbon County's top hazards, though both remain below critical thresholds. Flood risk (53.78) rounds out the county's moderate concerns, while wildfire risk is minimal at just 4.48.
Standard homeowners insurance covers most risks
Bourbon County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider a separate earthquake policy if structural protection is a priority, and review your coverage annually to ensure it reflects current property values.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Bourbon County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Bourbon County
Risk Verdict
Bourbon County's overall natural disaster score at the 39th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. At the 39th percentile, Bourbon County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Bourbon County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 59th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 56th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (54th percentile), hurricane (43th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With tornado ranked at the 59th percentile nationally, Bourbon County sits in a high-exposure zone where the difference between outcomes often comes down to proximity to a reinforced interior shelter and seconds of warning time. Earthquake is the second hazard driver for Bourbon County at the 56th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and earthquake-specific warning systems. For Bourbon County households, safe rooms certified to FEMA 320/361 standards offer the highest protection during a direct tornado hit; households without a safe room should locate the innermost lowest-floor room in their building and practice the route to it before storm season.
Regional Context
Bourbon County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Kentucky county average, with a 4.8-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Bourbon County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Bourbon County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Bourbon County?
How does Bourbon County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Bourbon County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Bourbon County a safe place to live?
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.