riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Calloway County Disaster Risk

Calloway County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Relatively Low

National Percentile

75th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#13

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

51th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 51% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 19% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 79% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively High

Higher than 95% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 39% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Calloway County, Kentucky

Calloway faces above-average disaster risk

Calloway County scores 75.35 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national average. This means residents here contend with more frequent or intense natural hazards than typical Americans.

Among Kentucky's higher-risk counties

At 75.35, Calloway County scores 31 points above Kentucky's average of 44.21, ranking it in the upper tier of risk statewide. Few Kentucky counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Riskier than nearby counties

Calloway County's 75.35 score exceeds Caldwell County (38.96) by more than double and surpasses Campbell County (58.33) by 17 points. Only Christian County (79.64) in this region carries notably higher composite risk.

Tornadoes and earthquakes lead threats

Tornado risk reaches 79.29—among the highest in the state—making spring severe weather season particularly dangerous for Calloway residents. Earthquake risk of 95.36 reflects the county's position near seismic zones, and flood risk at 50.67 poses seasonal threats.

Prepare for multiple disaster types

Calloway County residents need comprehensive coverage: standard homeowners insurance, a separate earthquake policy, and flood insurance if in a mapped floodplain. Build an emergency kit now and identify your tornado shelter before spring weather arrives.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Calloway County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    95th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    79th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    51th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Calloway County

Risk Verdict

Calloway County has a below-average natural disaster risk profile, scoring at the 75th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. This risk level calls for more than general awareness: insurance coverage review, a family communication plan, and a prepared go-bag are practical priorities.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Calloway County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 79th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (51th percentile), hurricane (39th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake risk is Calloway County's leading natural hazard, ranked at the 95th percentile nationally. Securing tall furniture, water heaters, and bookcases to walls with anti-tip hardware is among the simplest and most effective life-safety measures households can take. Tornado at the 79th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Calloway County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. Calloway County residents should locate the main gas shutoff valve and keep an appropriate wrench nearby — gas leaks cause a significant share of earthquake-related injuries and fires, and the shutoff step is safe to take immediately after shaking stops.

Regional Context

Calloway County's composite risk score sits 31.1 points above the Kentucky county average, placing it among the more hazard-exposed counties in the state.

Is your household prepared for Calloway County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Calloway County, KY?
Calloway County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Relatively Low, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Calloway County?
Calloway County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (95th percentile), tornado (79th percentile), flooding (51th percentile), hurricane (39th percentile), wildfire (19th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 95th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Calloway County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Calloway County's composite risk percentile is 75th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Calloway County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Calloway County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Calloway County's earthquake risk is at the 95th percentile nationally. This places it in the top quartile for this hazard type. For flooding specifically, Calloway County is at the 51th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Why is Calloway County higher risk than average?
Calloway County's composite risk score of 75th percentile is above the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. This elevated risk is driven by earthquake exposure (95th percentile), along with tornado and flooding risk. Geographic location, terrain, climate patterns, and proximity to flood zones or fault lines all influence a county's risk profile.

Counties with Similar Risk

Hardin County

Kentucky

+0.2

Relatively Low

76th percentile

Boyd County

Kentucky

-0.4

Relatively Low

75th percentile

Madison County

Kentucky

-0.5

Relatively Low

75th percentile

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.

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