Cumberland County Disaster Risk
Cumberland County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
30th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#84
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
54th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 6% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 38% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cumberland County, Kentucky
Cumberland County sits well below national risk
Cumberland County's composite risk score of 30.09 places it significantly below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. Your county faces less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties across all major hazard categories.
Kentucky's safest counties include yours
At 30.09, Cumberland County scores well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the state's most resilient counties. Your standing reflects particularly low exposure to multiple hazard types compared to statewide patterns.
One of the region's safest areas
Cumberland County's 30.09 score is lower than neighboring Whitley and Laurel counties, establishing it as one of south-central Kentucky's most hazard-resistant communities. Your county benefits from a favorable risk profile across the region.
Flood risk is your primary concern
Flood risk at 53.72 is Cumberland County's highest hazard, though still moderate compared to state hotspots like Daviess and Clay counties. Earthquake risk (38.74) and tornado risk (38.39) present secondary considerations that merit planning awareness.
Prioritize flood insurance coverage
Flood insurance is essential in Cumberland County and must be purchased separately from homeowners policies, with a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Maintain gutters, ensure proper drainage around your foundation, and know your home's flood risk zone through FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cumberland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cumberland County
Risk Verdict
Cumberland County sits in the lower tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, ranked at the 30th percentile nationally. At the 30th percentile, Cumberland County's risk profile is among the more manageable in the country — the hazard-specific breakdown above shows where any remaining preparedness focus is best directed.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Cumberland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 39th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (38th percentile), hurricane (36th percentile), wildfire (6th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 54th percentile nationally, Cumberland 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. Alongside flooding, earthquake exposure at the 39th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Cumberland 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
Cumberland County falls 14.1 points below Kentucky's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cumberland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cumberland County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Cumberland County?
How does Cumberland County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Cumberland County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cumberland 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.