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

Clinton County Disaster Risk

Clinton County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

25th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#95

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

41th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 41% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 33% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Very Low

Higher than 36% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 45% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Clinton County, Kentucky

Clinton County enjoys low national risk

Clinton County's composite risk score of 24.52 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. Your county is significantly safer than most U.S. counties when considering natural disaster exposure across all major hazard types.

Among Kentucky's lowest-risk counties

At 24.52, Clinton County scores substantially below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the state's safest counties. This favorable standing reflects relatively low exposure to natural hazards compared to most of Kentucky's 120 counties.

Safer than most nearby counties

Clinton County's 24.52 score is notably lower than those of neighboring Wayne and Casey counties, positioning it as one of south-central Kentucky's most resilient areas. Your county benefits from lower overall hazard exposure than surrounding communities.

Tornado risk leads local hazards

Tornado risk at 46.18 is Clinton County's highest threat, followed by hurricane risk at 45.47—both moderate for the county but below state averages. Flood and wildfire risks remain comparatively low at 40.97 and 33.43 respectively.

Focus on tornado and wind preparedness

Ensure your homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage from severe storms, and identify a safe shelter room in your home for tornado warnings. Keep a battery-powered weather radio and emergency kit accessible during spring storm season.

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

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Clinton County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    TornadoPrepare
    46th percentile
  2. #2
    HurricanePrepare
    45th percentile
  3. #3
    FloodPrepare
    41th percentile

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

Risk Advisory: Clinton County

Risk Verdict

Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Clinton County ranks at the 25th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. Even at the 25th percentile, Clinton County's composite score reflects real hazard exposure categories — knowing which ones apply locally enables targeted, efficient household preparedness.

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado risk is Clinton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 46th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (41th percentile), earthquake (36th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Tornado exposure at the 46th percentile nationally makes Clinton County a county where a battery-powered weather radio — not just smartphone apps — is a worthwhile household investment, given that mobile networks often fail during severe storms. Hurricane is the second hazard driver for Clinton County at the 45th percentile nationally, meaning households should maintain awareness of both severe-weather and hurricane-specific warning systems. In Clinton County, tornado watches indicate favorable atmospheric conditions while warnings mean rotation has been detected — households benefit from understanding this distinction so they shelter immediately on a warning, not after seeking visual confirmation.

Regional Context

At 19.7 points below the Kentucky state average, Clinton County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Is your household prepared for Clinton 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 Clinton County, KY?
Clinton County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 25th 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 Clinton County?
Clinton County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: tornado (46th percentile), hurricane (45th percentile), flooding (41th percentile), earthquake (36th percentile), wildfire (33th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is tornado at the 46th 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 Clinton County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Clinton County's composite risk percentile is 25th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Clinton County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Clinton County at risk for tornado?
Yes, Clinton County's tornado risk is at the 46th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Clinton County is at the 41th 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 Clinton County a safe place to live?
Clinton County's composite risk score of 25th 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 46th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
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.