Fleming County Disaster Risk
Fleming County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
31th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#80
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
47th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 47% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 23% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 54% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fleming County, Kentucky
Fleming ranks very low nationally
Fleming County's composite risk score of 30.98 places it well below the national average, indicating minimal exposure to major natural disasters. This very low rating reflects a relatively fortunate geographic position across all primary hazard categories.
Among Kentucky's safest counties overall
Fleming's score of 30.98 ranks it significantly below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing the county in the lower-risk tier. The county enjoys one of the state's most favorable natural disaster risk profiles.
Safer positioning in northeast region
Fleming's risk profile is substantially lower than Fayette County (92.05) to its south and moderately better than Gallatin County (17.27), its closest low-risk neighbor. Fleming occupies a relatively protected position in northeastern Kentucky's risk landscape.
Tornado and flood risks merit attention
Fleming's tornado risk of 54.23 represents its highest exposure, though still moderate compared to state and national standards. Flood risk (47.07) poses a secondary concern, primarily affecting properties near streams and low-lying areas.
Basic coverage provides adequate protection
Standard homeowner insurance with tornado and wind riders should adequately cover Fleming County residents' needs given the county's low overall risk profile. Adding flood insurance makes sense for any properties in mapped flood zones or historically flood-prone areas.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fleming County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fleming County
Risk Verdict
Natural disaster exposure in Fleming County is lower than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties, with a composite score at the 31th percentile. At the 31th percentile nationally, Fleming County's natural hazard profile is comparatively favorable — community resilience is reinforced when individual households maintain a reviewed emergency plan.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Fleming County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 54th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Earthquake ranks second at the 49th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (47th percentile), hurricane (37th percentile), wildfire (23th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Ranked at the 54th percentile nationally for tornado risk, Fleming County is in a zone where storm shelters have the highest per-dollar protective value of any mitigation investment. Fleming County's county shelter map is typically available through the local emergency management office. The secondary earthquake hazard at the 49th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Fleming County's preparedness calendar, since earthquake and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Fleming County residents can check the county's emergency management website for community shelter locations nearest their address — a step worth completing now, not during a warning.
Regional Context
Fleming County is 13.2 composite risk points below the Kentucky state mean, meaning most other Kentucky counties face higher natural hazard exposure.
Is your household prepared for Fleming County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fleming County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Fleming County?
How does Fleming County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Fleming County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Fleming 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.