Edmonson County Disaster Risk
Edmonson County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
11th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#116
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
19th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 19% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 3% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 41% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Edmonson County, Kentucky
Edmonson County enjoys lowest national risk
Edmonson County's composite risk score of 11.04 is one of the lowest nationally, earning a Very Low risk rating. Your county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to the vast majority of U.S. counties across all major hazard types.
Kentucky's safest county by far
At 11.04, Edmonson County achieves the lowest composite risk score among all Kentucky's 120 counties, far below the state average of 44.21. Your county represents the commonwealth's best-case scenario for natural disaster resilience.
Dramatically safer than surrounding areas
Edmonson County's 11.04 score substantially undercuts neighboring Warren and Metcalfe counties, establishing it as south-central Kentucky's safest community. Your county's exceptionally low risk profile is distinct even among the region's generally safer areas.
Tornado risk is your only notable concern
Tornado risk at 40.90 is Edmonson County's primary hazard, though still moderate and well below state averages. Flood and wildfire risks are exceptionally low at 18.58 and 3.50 respectively, reflecting your county's minimal overall hazard exposure.
Focus on tornado preparedness essentials
Identify a safe shelter room in your home—ideally a basement or interior bathroom on a lower floor—and practice reaching it within minutes of a tornado warning. Keep a flashlight, battery-powered weather radio, and first-aid kit readily accessible during spring storm season; otherwise, Edmonson County's exceptional safety allows for streamlined disaster planning.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Edmonson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Edmonson County
Risk Verdict
Edmonson County carries a low natural disaster risk burden, scoring at the 11th percentile under the FEMA National Risk Index. Edmonson County residents can take confidence from a 11th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Edmonson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 43th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 41th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (19th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), wildfire (3th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Edmonson County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 43th percentile nationally. Unreinforced masonry structures carry the highest injury risk during seismic events; residents in older buildings should check with their municipality about available seismic retrofit programs. The county's tornado risk at the 41th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. After a major earthquake, Edmonson County residents should expect water service disruption for 24 to 72 or more hours. Storing a minimum of one gallon per person per day for three days — before any event — is the most direct preparedness action households can take.
Regional Context
Compared to the Kentucky county average, Edmonson County's composite score runs 33.2 points lower — a gap that reflects the county's relatively modest hazard profile within its state context.
Is your household prepared for Edmonson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Edmonson County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Edmonson County?
How does Edmonson County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Edmonson County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Edmonson 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.