Caldwell County Disaster Risk
Caldwell County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#66
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
31th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% 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
Relatively Low
Higher than 61% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Caldwell County, Kentucky
Caldwell ranks well below national risk
Caldwell County's composite risk score of 38.96 places it in the Very Low category, significantly safer than the national average. This means residents face considerably fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans.
One of Kentucky's safest counties
Caldwell County's score of 38.96 ranks it well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. Among the commonwealth's 120 counties, this western Kentucky county is among the lowest-risk communities.
Safest in its peer group
Caldwell County's 38.96 score makes it safer than nearby Calloway County (75.35) and much safer than Christian County to the south (79.64). It stands as a genuinely low-risk area within western Kentucky.
Earthquakes pose the main concern
Caldwell County's earthquake risk score of 86.01 is its highest hazard threat, reflecting the region's distance from major fault lines but moderate seismic exposure. Tornado risk at 61.16 presents a secondary but meaningful concern for spring severe weather season.
Focus coverage on earthquake and storms
Though Caldwell County is low-risk overall, homeowners should ensure their standard insurance covers earthquake damage—many policies exclude it. A weather radio and a reinforced safe room offer practical protection during tornado warnings.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Caldwell County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Caldwell County
Risk Verdict
Caldwell County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 39th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Even at the 39th percentile, Caldwell County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Caldwell County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 86th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 61th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (31th percentile), hurricane (23th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Caldwell County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 86th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Caldwell County's tornado risk at the 61th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. After a major earthquake, Caldwell County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Kentucky county average, Caldwell County's composite score runs 5.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Caldwell County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Caldwell County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Caldwell County?
How does Caldwell County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Caldwell County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Caldwell 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.