Breckinridge County Disaster Risk
Breckinridge County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
40th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#62
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
49th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Breckinridge County, Kentucky
Breckinridge County sits below national average
With a composite risk score of 39.54 and a Very Low rating, Breckinridge County is safer than the national average of roughly 50. This below-average risk profile provides residents with relatively stable natural disaster conditions.
Breckinridge edges below Kentucky's average
Breckinridge County's score of 39.54 sits just below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the safer half of the commonwealth's counties. Residents here face somewhat lower disaster exposure than the typical Kentuckian.
Safe relative to western Kentucky counties
Breckinridge County's Very Low rating compares favorably to neighboring western and central Kentucky counties with higher composite risk scores. Its position along the Ohio River does create some flood vulnerability, but overall hazard exposure remains moderate.
Tornadoes and earthquakes pose modest threats
Tornado risk (62.85) and earthquake risk (67.81) are Breckinridge County's leading hazards, though neither reaches critical thresholds. Flood risk (49.05) reflects river proximity but remains manageable with proper planning.
Standard coverage plus earthquake consideration
Comprehensive homeowners insurance protects against Breckinridge County's primary risks, though an earthquake rider may be worthwhile given the 67.81 seismic score. Annual policy reviews ensure your coverage keeps pace with property values and local conditions.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Breckinridge County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Breckinridge County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Breckinridge County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 40th percentile. Being ranked at the 40th percentile nationally is an advantage for Breckinridge County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Breckinridge County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (49th percentile), hurricane (31th percentile), wildfire (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 68th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Breckinridge County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Alongside earthquake exposure, Breckinridge County's tornado risk at the 63th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. For Breckinridge County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
Breckinridge County's composite risk score is within 4.7 points of the Kentucky county average — a close alignment that reflects a broadly representative hazard environment for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Breckinridge County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.