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

Clark County Disaster Risk

Clark County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

38th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#68

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

47th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 14% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 68% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 59% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 34% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Clark County, Kentucky

Clark County's risk ranks well nationally

With a composite risk score of 38.30, Clark County sits well below the national average and earns a Very Low risk rating. This means your county faces significantly less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties, though specific hazards deserve targeted attention.

Among Kentucky's safest counties

Clark County's score of 38.30 places it well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it in the safer half of the state's 120 counties. This relatively favorable position reflects lower overall exposure to multiple hazard types.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Clark County's 38.30 score compares favorably to neighboring Fayette and Madison counties, though some eastern neighbors face modestly higher risks. Your county's positioning makes it one of the region's more resilient areas for natural disaster preparedness.

Tornadoes and earthquakes lead local threats

Tornado risk scores 68.03 in Clark County—your most significant hazard—while earthquake risk reaches 59.38, both well above flood risks at 47.30. Though your county's overall rating is very low, these two hazards warrant annual safety planning and weather awareness during storm season.

Prepare for tornadoes and earthquakes

Consider homeowners insurance that covers wind and hail damage from severe thunderstorms, and ensure your home is properly secured to withstand moderate earthquake shaking. A safe room or basement shelter and a 72-hour emergency kit are practical investments for Clark County families.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Clark County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    68th percentile
  2. #2
    EarthquakePrepare
    59th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    47th percentile

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

Local Resources

Risk Advisory: Clark County

Risk Verdict

Clark County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 38th percentile nationally. At the 38th percentile nationally, Clark County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Clark County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 68th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (47th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado risk is Clark County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 68th percentile nationally. For Clark County households, the most protective action available is identifying a reinforced interior room on the lowest floor — a bathroom, closet, or central hallway away from windows. Alongside tornado exposure, earthquake at the 59th percentile nationally means Clark County households face multi-hazard severe-weather seasons that benefit from a single integrated emergency plan covering both threats. A battery-powered NOAA All Hazards weather radio with an auto-alert tone is the highest-leverage single item for tornado preparedness in Clark County, since it delivers warnings even when power is out and phone networks are congested.

Regional Context

The Kentucky county average exceeds Clark County's score by 5.9 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.

Is your household prepared for Clark 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 Clark County, KY?
Clark County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 38th 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 Clark County?
Clark County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (68th percentile), earthquake (59th percentile), flooding (47th percentile), hurricane (34th percentile), wildfire (14th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 68th 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 Clark County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Clark County's composite risk percentile is 38th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Clark County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Clark County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Clark County's tornado risk is at the 68th percentile nationally. This is above the national median. For flooding specifically, Clark County is at the 47th 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.
Is Clark County a safe place to live?
Clark County's composite risk score of 38th percentile is below the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is tornado at the 68th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.

Counties with Similar Risk

Taylor County

Kentucky

+0.4

Very Low

39th percentile

Caldwell County

Kentucky

+0.7

Very Low

39th percentile

Mason County

Kentucky

+0.9

Very Low

39th 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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