riskbycounty
FEMA NRI 1.19.0Updated Nov 2023 · Coverage 2014–2023Methodology

Green County Disaster Risk

Green County, Kentucky

FEMA Risk Rating

Very Low

National Percentile

14th

of 3,144 counties

State Rank

#109

of 120 (1 = highest risk)

Flood Risk

22th

percentile

Hazard Risk Breakdown

Flood

River, coastal, and surface flooding risk

Very Low

Higher than 22% of US counties

Wildfire

Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk

Very Low

Higher than 4% of US counties

Tornado

Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 46% of US counties

Earthquake

Seismic activity and ground shaking risk

Relatively Low

Higher than 47% of US counties

Hurricane

Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk

Very Low

Higher than 32% of US counties

Risk Overview

About Natural Disaster Risk in Green County, Kentucky

Green County is among Kentucky's safest

Green County scores just 14.03 on the composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. It ranks among the nation's low-risk counties for natural disasters.

Lowest risk in central Kentucky

Green County's 14.03 score places it near the very bottom of Kentucky's disaster risk ranking. Few counties statewide offer comparable protection from natural hazards.

One of the safest in the region

Green County's 14.03 score edges out nearby Grant County (16.29) and significantly undercuts Grayson County (45.26) and Graves County (83.97). The county benefits from minimal exposure across nearly all hazard types.

Tornado is the primary concern

Tornado risk at 46.12 represents Green County's biggest natural disaster threat, though it remains below state average. All other hazards—earthquake, hurricane, wildfire, and flood—score well below the state mean.

Basic tornado coverage suffices

Green County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance with tornado coverage typically provides adequate protection for most residents. The low risk does not eliminate the need for appropriate coverage.

Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Preparedness Guide

What to Prepare for in Green County

Top Hazards by Exposure

  1. #1
    EarthquakePrepare
    47th percentile
  2. #2
    TornadoPrepare
    46th percentile
  3. #3
    HurricanePrepare
    32th percentile

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)

Risk Advisory: Green County

Risk Verdict

Green County's overall natural disaster score at the 14th percentile puts it well below the national median for hazard exposure. Being ranked at the 14th percentile nationally is an advantage for Green County — it means fewer statistically likely events, though basic readiness ensures households are covered when exceptions occur.

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake risk is Green County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 47th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 46th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (32th percentile), flood (22th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile).

Preparedness Context

Earthquake exposure at the 47th percentile nationally puts Green County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. Alongside earthquake exposure, Green County's tornado risk at the 46th percentile nationally reinforces the value of maintaining a household emergency supply cache usable for multiple hazard scenarios. Green County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.

Regional Context

Green County's composite risk score sits 30.2 points below the Kentucky county average, reflecting a more favorable hazard environment than the state typical.

Is your household prepared for Green County's hazards?

Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.

FEMA Ready Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the natural disaster risk in Green County, KY?
Green County has a FEMA National Risk Index rating of Very Low, placing it in the 14th percentile nationally out of 3,144 counties. This composite score reflects the county's overall exposure to natural hazards including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, weighted by expected annual loss and social vulnerability.
What types of natural hazards affect Green County?
Green County is evaluated for five major natural hazard types: earthquake (47th percentile), tornado (46th percentile), hurricane (32th percentile), flooding (22th percentile), wildfire (4th percentile). The highest-risk hazard is earthquake at the 47th percentile nationally. These scores are derived from FEMA's National Risk Index, which analyzes expected annual loss, social vulnerability, and community resilience for each hazard type.
How does Green County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Green County's composite risk percentile is 14th, compared to the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile. The state's overall risk rating is Relatively Low. This means Green County faces lower natural disaster risk than the typical county in Kentucky.
Is Green County at risk for earthquake?
Yes, Green County's earthquake risk is at the 47th percentile nationally. This is below the national median, indicating relatively lower exposure. For flooding specifically, Green County is at the 22th percentile.
How is natural disaster risk measured?
FEMA's National Risk Index (NRI) calculates risk scores for 18 natural hazard types across all U.S. counties and census tracts. The composite score combines Expected Annual Loss (estimated dollar losses from each hazard), Social Vulnerability (demographic factors affecting disaster impact), and Community Resilience (ability to recover). Percentile scores rank each county against all 3,144 U.S. counties, and risk ratings range from Very Low to Very High.
Is Green County a safe place to live?
Green County's composite risk score of 14th percentile is below the Kentucky state average of 44th percentile, indicating relatively lower exposure to natural hazards. However, no county is completely risk-free. The primary hazard type is earthquake at the 47th percentile. Residents should still maintain emergency preparedness plans and appropriate insurance coverage.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.