Graves County Disaster Risk
Graves County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
84th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#8
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
57th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 27% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively High
Higher than 97% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 49% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Graves County, Kentucky
Graves County faces moderate disaster risk
Graves County scores 83.97 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively Moderate rating, nearly doubling Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This makes it one of the state's higher-risk counties for natural disasters.
Among Kentucky's riskier counties
Graves County ranks in the upper portion of Kentucky's disaster risk distribution, with its 83.97 score significantly above the state mean. Only a handful of Kentucky counties face comparable overall natural disaster exposure.
Riskier than surrounding counties
Graves County's 83.97 score substantially exceeds nearby Grayson County (45.26) and Green County (14.03). Its earthquake risk of 96.91 is particularly elevated compared to all regional peers.
Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate risk
Graves County faces exceptional earthquake risk at 96.91—among Kentucky's highest—paired with tornado risk at 70.61. Flooding also poses a notable threat at 56.81, affecting property and infrastructure across the county.
Comprehensive coverage is essential here
Graves County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with earthquake and tornado riders, given the county's elevated scores in both hazards. Consider separate flood insurance as well, since standard policies exclude water damage.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Graves County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Graves County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard risk in Graves County is higher than the majority of U.S. counties, with a national composite rank of 84th. Graves County's elevated composite score reflects cumulative multi-hazard exposure; households should prepare for the county's two or three primary hazard types.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Graves County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 97th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include flood (57th percentile), hurricane (49th percentile), wildfire (27th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 97th percentile nationally for earthquake risk, Graves County is in a zone where a post-earthquake communications plan matters almost as much as pre-earthquake structural preparation — phone networks are typically congested for hours after a significant event. Tornado at the 71th percentile nationally is a separate hazard dimension for Graves County that requires different protective strategies from earthquake preparedness. For Graves County households, the three highest-impact earthquake preparedness actions are: (1) anchor heavy furniture and water heaters, (2) store three days of water at one gallon per person per day, and (3) identify a family reunification plan for the post-quake communication blackout period.
Regional Context
A composite score 39.8 points above the Kentucky state average puts Graves County in a higher-risk category than most counties in the state.
Is your household prepared for Graves County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Graves County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Graves County?
How does Graves County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Graves County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Graves 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.