Breathitt County Disaster Risk
Breathitt County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
65th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#29
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 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Breathitt County faces elevated national risks
Breathitt County's composite risk score of 64.66 and Relatively Low rating sit 30% above the national average of roughly 50. This elevated score reflects significant exposure to multiple natural hazards, particularly in flood and wildfire-prone Appalachian terrain.
Breathitt ranks above Kentucky's average
With a score of 64.66, Breathitt County substantially exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the higher-risk tier of commonwealth counties. Only the state's most hazardous counties face comparable natural disaster exposure.
Highest hazard in southeastern Kentucky
Breathitt County's flood risk (82.35) and wildfire risk (69.91) are among the most severe in the eastern Appalachian region, driven by rugged terrain and dense forests. These twin threats substantially exceed the risks faced in neighboring lower-elevation counties.
Flooding and wildfires dominate Breathitt's profile
Flood risk (82.35) and wildfire risk (69.91) are Breathitt County's critical concerns, with both reaching dangerous levels due to Appalachian topography and forest cover. Earthquake risk (41.63) ranks third and merits attention in seismic planning.
Flood and wildfire coverage are non-negotiable
Breathitt County residents must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program—standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding. Add wildfire-resistant home improvements and comprehensive coverage to protect against the county's dual greatest threats.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Breathitt County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Breathitt County
Risk Verdict
Breathitt County's FEMA risk score places it at the 65th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Breathitt County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 82th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (42th percentile), hurricane (39th percentile), tornado (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 82th percentile nationally for flood risk, Breathitt County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 70th percentile nationally, means Breathitt County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Breathitt County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Kentucky county average is 20.5 composite points below Breathitt County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Breathitt County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Breathitt County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Breathitt County?
How does Breathitt County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Breathitt County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Breathitt 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.