Estill County Disaster Risk
Estill County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
42th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
64th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% 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 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 28% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Estill County, Kentucky
Estill ranks very low on national risk scale
With a composite risk score of 41.79, Estill County sits well below the national average and poses minimal exposure to major natural disasters. This very low rating means residents face fewer compound hazard threats than most U.S. counties, though localized flood risks warrant attention in vulnerable areas.
Among Kentucky's safest counties
Estill's score of 41.79 ranks it near the bottom of Kentucky's risk spectrum, sitting well below the state average of 44.21. The county's profile reflects relatively modest exposure across nearly all major hazard categories compared to higher-risk peers.
Safer than nearby eastern Kentucky counties
Estill's risk profile is significantly lower than neighboring Floyd County (94.18), one of Kentucky's highest-risk counties, and moderately better positioned than Fayette County (92.05). Among comparable Appalachian-area neighbors, Estill sits in the safer tier.
Flooding poses the most pressing threat
Estill's flood risk score of 63.90 is its highest hazard exposure, driven by the county's topography and proximity to waterways. Wildfire risk (44.66) represents a secondary concern, particularly during dry seasons in forested areas across the county.
Flood insurance makes the most sense
Although Estill's overall risk is low, residents in flood-prone zones should secure flood insurance—standard homeowner policies don't cover water damage. A modest earthquake insurance rider provides affordable added protection given the county's low seismic risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Estill County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Estill County
Risk Verdict
At the 42th percentile nationally, Estill County experiences relatively limited natural hazard pressure compared to most of the country. A 42th percentile score positions Estill County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Estill County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 64th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 45th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (38th percentile), earthquake (35th percentile), hurricane (28th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Estill County sits at the 64th percentile nationally for flood exposure. Knowing your property's flood zone designation — available at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — is the first step toward understanding actual exposure and insurance options. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 45th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Regardless of specific hazard, Estill County households benefit from a practiced communication plan: a designated out-of-state contact and a pre-agreed evacuation destination established before the season's peak risk period.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 2.4 points from the Kentucky average, making Estill County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Estill County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Estill County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Estill County?
How does Estill County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Estill County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Estill 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.