Carter County Disaster Risk
Carter County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
53th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#43
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
69th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 69% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 58% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 40% 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 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Carter County, Kentucky
Carter faces above-average disaster risk
Carter County scores 52.74 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but notably above the national average. This eastern Kentucky county contends with more frequent natural hazards than typical U.S. communities.
Moderate risk within Kentucky
At 52.74, Carter County scores 8.5 points above Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. About half of Kentucky's counties carry higher composite risk, but Carter faces more exposure than the typical county.
Higher-risk Appalachian county
Carter County's 52.74 score exceeds Caldwell (38.96) and Carroll (23.41) counties but falls below Calloway (75.35) and Christian (79.64). Among eastern Kentucky counties, Carter faces notably elevated wildfire and flood exposure.
Wildfire and flood risks stand out
Carter County's wildfire risk of 58.24 is among the highest in Kentucky, reflecting dense forests and dry seasons in the Appalachian region. Flood risk of 69.40 compounds the threat, as mountain terrain creates rapid runoff and swollen waterways during heavy rain.
Plan for wildfire and water damage
Carter County homeowners should clear brush and dead trees from around structures to reduce wildfire vulnerability and ensure gutters remain clear. Flood insurance is essential for properties in valleys or near streams, and a comprehensive emergency plan should account for both hazards.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Carter County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Carter County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 53th, Carter County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Carter County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 69th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 58th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (42th percentile), tornado (40th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 69th percentile nationally, Carter County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. The county's second-ranked hazard, wildfire at the 58th percentile nationally, means Carter County residents face compounding risks from multiple natural hazard types during peak seasons. Registering for Carter County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 8.5 points above the Kentucky state average, Carter County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Kentucky county.
Is your household prepared for Carter County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Carter County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Carter County?
How does Carter County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Carter County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Carter 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.