Carroll County Disaster Risk
Carroll County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
23th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#97
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
42th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 42% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 13% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carroll County, Kentucky
Carroll ranks among America's safest
Carroll County's composite score of 23.41 places it in the Very Low category, well below the national average for disaster risk. This northern Kentucky county offers one of the nation's lowest natural hazard exposure profiles.
Second-lowest risk in Kentucky
At 23.41, Carroll County scores 21 points below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking second-lowest in the commonwealth. Only Carlisle County (18.73) has comparable safety from natural disasters.
Safest in northern Kentucky
Carroll County's 23.41 score is substantially lower than Campbell County (58.33) to the east and Caldwell County (38.96) to the west. It stands as the lowest-risk county among its northern and western Kentucky peers.
Tornado and flood risks are moderate
Carroll County's tornado risk of 57.79 is its highest hazard score but still below state average, posing minimal threat during spring storm season. Flood risk at 41.67 reflects the county's river valleys but remains manageable compared to regional neighbors.
Basic preparation covers local needs
Carroll County homeowners benefit from low overall risk, so standard homeowners insurance provides solid coverage for typical hazards. A weather radio and basic emergency supplies offer sufficient protection for this very low-risk area.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carroll County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carroll County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Carroll County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 23th percentile. Carroll County residents can take confidence from a 23th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Carroll County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 58th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 42th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (35th percentile), hurricane (13th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 58th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Carroll County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Carroll County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. Flood is the second hazard driver for Carroll County at the 42th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and flood-specific warning systems. Carroll County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Carroll County is 20.8 composite risk points below the Kentucky state mean, meaning most other Kentucky counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Carroll County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carroll County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Carroll County?
How does Carroll County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Carroll County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Carroll 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.