Fulton County Disaster Risk
Fulton County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
47th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#49
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 5% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Moderate
Higher than 92% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Fulton County, Kentucky
Fulton ranks slightly above national average
Fulton County's composite risk score of 46.76 sits moderately above the national average, reflecting somewhat elevated exposure to natural disasters. However, the score masks significant regional variation—earthquake risk is notably high while wildfire risk remains minimal.
Slightly elevated within Kentucky context
Fulton's score of 46.76 slightly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the lower-moderate risk tier. The county's profile is more favorable than most of eastern and central Kentucky's high-risk zones.
Moderate risk in western Kentucky region
Fulton's risk profile (46.76) is notably higher than neighboring Gallatin County (17.27) but similar to Franklin County (64.47) in different directions. The county's western Kentucky location provides some geographic protection compared to eastern regions.
Earthquake risk surprisingly elevated here
Fulton County faces exceptional earthquake risk with a score of 91.92—far exceeding its overall county ranking and the state average. Tornado risk (50.35) presents a secondary but notable concern, while flood and wildfire risks remain relatively modest.
Earthquake coverage warrants serious consideration
Given Fulton's unusually high earthquake risk (91.92), residents should strongly consider adding earthquake insurance to their homeowner policies—it's rarely included in standard coverage. Standard homeowner insurance with tornado riders covers most other natural hazard exposures adequately.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Fulton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Fulton County
Risk Verdict
At the 47th percentile nationally, Fulton County experiences a manageable level of natural hazard risk that falls below the U.S. median. A preparedness foundation — alert registration, household communication plan, and a basic supply review — costs little and remains valuable even at Fulton County's favorable 47th percentile ranking.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Fulton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 92th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 50th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (35th percentile), flood (19th percentile), wildfire (5th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Fulton County's primary hazard, earthquake, ranks at the 92th 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. Alongside earthquake exposure, Fulton County's tornado risk at the 50th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. After a major earthquake, Fulton 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
At 2.5 points from the Kentucky county mean, Fulton County's overall disaster risk profile is close to typical for this state, with no dramatic deviation in either direction.
Is your household prepared for Fulton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Fulton County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Fulton County?
How does Fulton County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Fulton County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Fulton 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.