Floyd County Disaster Risk
Floyd County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
94th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#2
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
98th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively High
Higher than 98% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Moderate
Higher than 86% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 64% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 51% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Floyd County, Kentucky
Floyd ranks among nation's riskiest counties
Floyd County's composite risk score of 94.18 exceeds the national average dramatically, placing it in the highest tier of U.S. natural disaster exposure. The county faces severe compounded hazard threats across multiple categories, making disaster preparedness critical for all residents.
Kentucky's second-highest risk county
Floyd's score of 94.18 ranks it near the very top of Kentucky's risk hierarchy, more than double the state average of 44.21. Only a handful of Kentucky counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.
Extreme risk even among Appalachian peers
Floyd's risk level (94.18) is nearly identical to neighboring Fayette County (92.05) and dramatically exceeds surrounding counties like Estill (41.79) and Fleming (30.98). Floyd occupies one of eastern Kentucky's most hazardous positions.
Flooding and wildfires pose severe threats
Floyd County faces exceptional flood risk with a score of 97.81—among the nation's highest—due to complex terrain and watershed vulnerabilities. Wildfire risk (86.32) compounds the danger, particularly across forested ridgelines and rural areas during dry seasons.
Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable
Floyd County residents must secure flood insurance immediately—standard homeowner policies exclude water damage, and the county's extreme flood risk makes coverage essential. Adding wildfire/brush fire protection and earthquake coverage provides the most complete protection available.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Floyd County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Floyd County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 94th percentile, Floyd County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Floyd County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Floyd County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 98th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 86th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (64th percentile), hurricane (51th percentile), tornado (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 98th percentile nationally, Floyd 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. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 86th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Floyd 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
At 50.0 points above the Kentucky state average, Floyd County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical Kentucky county.
Is your household prepared for Floyd County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Floyd County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Floyd County?
How does Floyd County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Floyd County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Floyd County higher risk than average?
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.