Clay County Disaster Risk
Clay County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
67th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#26
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
81th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 81% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 85% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% 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 Clay County, Kentucky
Clay County faces above-average national risk
With a composite risk score of 67.14, Clay County's risk profile is significantly higher than the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating. This reflects meaningful exposure to multiple natural hazard types that warrant serious preparedness planning.
Among Kentucky's riskier counties
Clay County scores 67.14—well above Kentucky's state average of 44.21—placing it in the higher-risk tier of the state's counties. This elevated position reflects particular vulnerability to specific hazard combinations that distinguish your county statewide.
Notably riskier than surrounding counties
Clay County's 67.14 score significantly exceeds those of neighboring Perry and Owsley counties, making it one of the region's most hazard-exposed areas. Your county faces distinct challenges requiring more intensive disaster readiness than most eastern Kentucky neighbors.
Wildfire and flood risks are critical
Wildfire risk at 85.15 and flood risk at 80.98 dominate Clay County's hazard profile—both among the state's highest scores in these categories. Tornado risk also reaches 41.32, creating a complex threat environment that affects property and planning decisions.
Invest in comprehensive hazard coverage
Homeowners insurance should explicitly cover both wildfire and flood damage; standard policies exclude both, requiring separate riders or flood insurance. Create defensible space around your home by clearing dead vegetation, and develop an evacuation plan for rapid fire or flood events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Clay County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Clay County
Risk Verdict
Clay County ranks at the 67th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Clay County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 81th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (42th percentile), tornado (41th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Clay County's dominant hazard is wildfire, ranked at the 85th percentile nationally. Maintaining at least 30 feet of lean, clean vegetation around structures in Clay County and keeping gutters clear of debris significantly reduces ignition risk from wind-driven embers. Alongside wildfire, flood at the 81th percentile nationally means a multi-season preparedness mindset — fire season and flood or storm season often require different household plans. Clay County's households benefit from reviewing homeowners insurance before fire season, specifically whether the policy covers replacement cost rather than actual cash value, and whether it includes additional living expenses if displacement is required.
Regional Context
Compared to other Kentucky counties, Clay County runs 22.9 composite risk points higher than the state mean — reflecting above-average hazard concentration in this area.
Is your household prepared for Clay County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Clay County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Clay County?
How does Clay County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Clay County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Clay 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.