Harlan County Disaster Risk
Harlan County, Kentucky
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
66th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#28
of 120 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
80th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 80% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 56% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 43% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Harlan County, Kentucky
Harlan County carries elevated disaster risk
Harlan County scores 65.74 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, exceeding Kentucky's state average of 44.21 by 48%. This positions the county among Kentucky's higher natural disaster exposure zones.
Upper-middle risk across Kentucky
Harlan County ranks notably above Kentucky's median disaster risk, with its 65.74 score placing it in the state's higher-risk band. Approximately 30% of Kentucky counties face comparable or greater exposure.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Harlan County's 65.74 score substantially exceeds Grant County (16.29) and Grayson County (45.26), though trails Hardin County (75.51). Its wildfire risk of 69.82 is particularly pronounced compared to regional peers.
Flooding and wildfires are critical threats
Flood risk at 79.87 is Harlan County's leading hazard, closely followed by wildfire risk at 69.82—both significantly above the state average. Earthquake risk at 56.17 and hurricane risk at 42.55 add additional concerns.
Flood and wildfire insurance essential
Harlan County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage alongside separate flood insurance, given the county's 79.87 flood and 69.82 wildfire scores. These hazards represent the county's most significant property risks.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Harlan County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Harlan County
Risk Verdict
Harlan County's FEMA risk score places it at the 66th percentile nationally, indicating lower-than-typical exposure for a U.S. county. A moderate composite score often means one or two hazard categories are doing the heavy lifting — knowing which ones matters for preparation.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Harlan County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 80th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 70th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (56th percentile), hurricane (43th percentile), tornado (39th percentile).
Preparedness Context
At the 80th percentile nationally for flood risk, Harlan County residents benefit from understanding their specific flood zone status. Even one inch of floodwater causes significant structural damage to properties outside officially designated high-risk zones. Secondary wildfire exposure at the 70th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. A tested family preparedness plan specific to Harlan County's primary hazards — including how to shelter in place or evacuate, and who to call — provides more real protection than a general emergency kit sitting unused on a shelf.
Regional Context
The Kentucky county average is 21.5 composite points below Harlan County's score, a gap that reflects the county's elevated position in the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Harlan County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Harlan County, KY?
What types of natural hazards affect Harlan County?
How does Harlan County risk compare to the Kentucky average?
Is Harlan County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Harlan 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.